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Cadet Program

The Massachusetts State Police Cadet Program is a comprehensive on-the-job training program designed to introduce the next generation to the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for a career in law enforcement. Here you can learn more about what the program offers, what qualifications are required, and how to apply.

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Overview

Cadets with MSP Air Wing

The Massachusetts State Police Cadet Program is an educational and hands-on training program which offers a paid, benefitted, and full-time civilian position as a Cadet. The program itself is a 1-year minimum commitment, with opportunity of being extended to a 2-year position, that is open to Massachusetts residents aged 19-25 years old who are interested in a career in law enforcement. Those who complete the program successfully and receive a passing grade on the Civil Service's State Trooper Exam may be directly appointed to a Recruit Training Troop at the State Police Academy.

During the application period, those interested are able to apply via MassCareers and will receive information to complete the Cadet Exam. Those who qualify will be communicated instructions at a later date to complete the full application after their qualification status has been confirmed by their exam results. Applications are then reviewed by the Application Review Committee to determine which candidates will move further into training. Candidates will then be required to complete the following:

  • Background Check
  • Physical Fitness Assessment
  • Medical Exam
  • Psychological Exam

After satisfying all of the above requirements, candidates will receive an official offer for employment. Cadets are then required to attend a 4-week training program at the State Police Academy.

Interested applicants are subjected to a similar application and hiring process as State Troopers and are required to meet physical fitness standards that would be required for appointment for initial enlistment as a uniformed member of the Massachusetts State Police. If a Cadet fails to meet this standard during the initial testing for the Cadet Program, then the Cadet will have 12 months from their admission into the Cadet Program to meet that standard.

Responsibilities

Cadets learning

During the first year of the program, Cadets will be assigned to barracks within the Division of Field Services to assist with desk officers with a variety of duties, such as:

  • Answering phones
  • Dispatching calls
  • Completing data entries/inquiries
  • Planning and attending community outreach events
  • Performing community service

During the program, Cadets will typically be assigned to 8-week rotations or so in the Division of Administrative Services, Division of Investigative Services, Division of Standards and Training, and the Division of Homeland Security. Cadets will perform administrative duties, such as:

  • Preparing reports
  • Performing crime analysis
  • Completing research projects and special assignments

During the last week of the program, Cadets will be prepared on what it takes to complete State Trooper training at the State Police Academy and will spend a residential week at the Academy.

Qualifications

To be considered, you must:

  • Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • Have high school diploma or equivalent academic credential issued by the MA Department of Education or a comparable governmental unit of a state or territory of the United States.
  • Possess a valid Massachusetts Driver's License.
  • Be not less than 19 nor more than 25 years of age.
  • Have fulfilled all qualifying entrance requirements for State Police Cadets as determined by the Colonel/State Police Superintendent.
  • Be able to pass a mandatory pre-employment background investigation check.
  • Be deemed suitable for appointment for initial enlistment as a uniformed member of the State Police pursuant to sections 10, 11, and 14 of Chapter 22C, with the exception of the physical standards.  A State Police Cadet shall be required to meet the physical fitness standards required for appointment for initial enlistment as a uniformed member of the State Police within 12 months of the State Police Cadet's admission to the State Police Cadet Program.
  • Consent to and successfully complete a pre-employment screening that includes physical fitness activities.
  • Possess a high school diploma, GED, or HiSET certification
  • Have not been convicted of a felony
  • Have not been convicted of any misdemeanor which resulted in jail or House of Correction (HOC) punishment
  • Do not smoke any tobacco product(s)
  • Do not have any tattoo, brand, or scarification on face, neck, or hands with the exception of commitment band on hand
  • Do not have any tattoo, brand, or scarification that is considered extremist, including but not limited to indecent, sexist, or racist

 

Related Guides

Becoming a State Trooper 

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