The Rhode Island State Police force is an elite group of law enforcement officers that fights organized crime and financial crimes in addition to protecting the safety of drivers in the state. Here are the steps you need to go through to get hired and trained as a State Trooper in Rhode Island.
If you’re interested in learning how to become a State Trooper in Rhode Island, start with these seven steps:
- Meet the Basic Qualifications
- Pass a Written Examination and Physical Fitness Test
- Oral Interview and Background Check
- Medical and Psychological Evaluation
- Attend Trooper Academy for Training
Step 1. Meet the Basic Qualifications for Rhode Island Trooper Candidacy
To be considered for jobs as a Rhode Island State Trooper, you must meet certain requirements:
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- You must have a driver’s license.
- You must be 18 years old.
- You cannot be older than 35 years old at the time you are admitted to the Training Academy.
- You must have a high school diploma or a GED.
- Your weight must be in proportion to your height.
- You must have excellent vision (at least 20/40 and correctable to 20/20).
- You cannot be color blind and must have normal depth perception.
- You must have good hearing.
- You cannot have any tattoos or body art that is visible when you are in uniform or on duty without a uniform.
A college degree is not required, but it will help you to be considered to become a State Trooper in Rhode Island if you obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree in the criminal justice field from an accredited institution.
Step 2. Pass a Written Examination and Physical Fitness Test
You will have to pass an exam that measures your reasoning and interpersonal skills. You will be given a study guide before you take this exam.
Once you pass the written exam, you will receive a letter that will tell you the location and time of the Physical Fitness Test that you will have to take. You should prepare for this test ahead of time, and view the assessment requirements for it.
You must also have an appointment with your doctor to ensure that you are in good enough physical shape to take the physical. Your doctor must sign the Fitness Test Medical Certificate within 60 days of taking the test. If you do not have this with you on the date of your test, you will be disqualified from continuing.
You must pay for the cost of the doctor’s examination. If you cannot afford it for any of the following reasons, you may qualify for financial assistance:
- Receiving public assistance
- Receiving supplemental SSI
- Unemployed and supporting a household.
If you meet any of these qualifications, call 401-444-1191.
The physical fitness test measures the following events:
- Vertical Jump
- Sit-Ups
- 300 Meter Run
- Push-Ups
- 1.5 mile run
You will be held to the standards of 50% of those of the Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research. These standards are listed in the test booklet that you need to download.
Step 3. Oral Interview and Background Check
When you have passed the Physical Fitness Test, you will be interviewed by an Oral Interview Board to determine if you have the attributes to become a State Trooper in Rhode Island.
After passing the oral interview, the Rhode Island State Police Detective Bureau will conduct an extensive investigation into your background. They will be looking at such factors as:
- Character
- Credit History
- Criminal History
- Education
- Employment Record
- Reputation in the Community
- Military Service
Step 4. Medical and Psychological Evaluation
When you have been deemed to suitable to become a State Trooper in Rhode Island, you will first take a written psychological test. Then a licensed psychologist will interview you.
After passing the psychological evaluation, a physician chosen by the Rhode Island State Police will examine you medically.
Step 5. Attend Trooper Academy for Training
After your application has been reviewed, and you have been chosen, you will undergo training to become a State Trooper in Rhode Island. This is a 22 week program in which you will report at 9 PM on Sundays and stay there until 5 PM the following Friday. Your daily schedule will be from 6 AM to 10 PM.
You will have academic training and two sessions of training for physical fitness a day, including:
- Calisthenics
- Defensive Tactics
- Hand to Hand Combat
- Running
You will also be expected to become proficient in:
- Basic Rescue and Water Safety
- Driving: Defensive and Pursuit
- Firearms Usage
When you have completed your training at the Academy, you will either be sworn in as a State Trooper or placed on a list of reserves. Once you have been sworn in, you will have a one-year period of probation.
The salary range of a State Trooper in Rhode Island is $50,799 to $61,935.