To become a Trooper, recruits must successfully complete the training at the State Police Academy located at 340 West Brookfield Road in New Braintree, Massachusetts. Recruits live at the academy Monday through Friday during this period.
The Recruit Training Program is both mentally and physically challenging. Recruits receive classroom instruction and physical training in a strict, paramilitary environment. Those who graduate, do so with the confidence and knowledge needed to be a Massachusetts State Trooper.
The curriculum includes:
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criminal law,
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motor vehicle law,
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evidence identification,
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firearms,
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public speaking,
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self-defense tactics,
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defensive driving,
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patrol procedures,
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military drills,
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court procedures,
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ethics,
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diversity awareness,
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community policing,
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...and more!
State Police Academy
Facility
The Massachusetts State Police Academy sits on 780 acres in rural New Braintree. The compound consists of over twenty buildings. These buildings include our classrooms, dining facility, firearms range, sleeping quarters, physical plant, and gymnasium. We use a small housing community, dubbed Circle Drive, for office space and realistic training exercises. Our training facility also includes a certified confidence course.
Outside Agencies
The Academy hosts outside agencies, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Environmental Police, which have staff and office space on site.
Training
We base all recruit training here. Recruits attend a twenty-five week program with over ninety different courses of instruction. The day begins at 5:30 AM with physical training. The recruit then attends academic courses until 8:00 PM. The recruits then have study and personal time until lights out at 9:30 PM. We conduct all classes, (except driver training and water safety) in New Braintree. On Friday evenings, recruits may go home and return Monday morning for training.
The Academy also conducts in-service training and firearms re-qualification for veteran State Police officers. The Academy provides professional development courses for the public safety community. These courses are often free or low-cost.
Student Trooper Program
The State Police partners with the American Legion to provide a one week, live-in, mini-academy known as the Student Trooper Program. This program is an intensive course patterned after the actual recruit class. It is not a summer camp. We offer this program to high school students 15 to 17 years old, who are in good scholastic standing, and good physical condition. You can find more information through your high school counselor or American Legion post.
Hours
Normal Academy hours are Sunday at 11:00 PM through Friday until 5:00 PM. For any questions, or additional information, please call (508) 867-1000.