State Police Trooper Trainee

The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of State Police is currently accepting applications to establish a pool of qualified applicants to fill future vacant State Police Trooper Trainee positions across the State.    

The Connecticut State Police offers numerous Career Opportunities across our beautiful State, with opportunities for promotional advancement and geographic transfers.   Adding to the attractive locations and upward mobility are excellent Compensation and Benefits including a full Health Benefits package, along with additional Supplemental Benefits and a 25 year Hazardous Duty retirement.  

Operational needs of the agency will weigh heavily on the initial assignment of hired Troopers.  However, we work with our staff to identify locations that are geographically compatible to their desired location.  The agency seeks trustworthy, motivated, driven individuals who are able to work well on their own as well as in a team environment.   We strive to provide superior Public Safety Services for Connecticut and achieve them through our Mission.

Mission: DESPP is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology.

In striving to accomplish our mission, we will embody our core values with great PRIDE: 

• Professionalism through an elite and diverse team of trained men and women.
• Respect for ourselves and others through our words and actions.
• Integrity through adherence to standards and values that merit public trust.
• Dedication to our colleagues, our values, and to the service of others.
• Equality through fair and unprejudiced application of the law.

To learn more about what it takes to become a Connecticut State Police Troopers, please view the video below and visit www.beaconnecticuttrooper.com.    

Selection Process

The Connecticut State Police hiring process is extensive; the time from application to appointment can take several months.  The application to hire process is separated into six stages:

1. Application Period: How to Apply for the SPTT Job Opening

2. Physical Fitness Assessment: Candidates must take and pass a Physical Fitness Assessment that measures muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility.  Valid CHIP cards will be accepted prior to the CT State Police Physical Ability Test, tentatively scheduled for August.  To register, please follow the instructions on the CHIP Test Schedule.     

       Instructional Video Links:

• 1.5 Mile Run 
• Push-ups 
• Sit-ups
• 300 Meter Run    

3. Polygraph Examination: Inquiries concerning employment history; driving history; medical history; financial history; gambling history; illegal possession, use and sale of drugs/narcotics; criminal activity; military history; illegal sexual activity; use of alcohol; general personal data; prior conduct in police/security/corrections fields; subversive, revolutionary or gang activity; basic honesty and integrity.

4. Background Investigation:  Comprehensive review of employment, education, training, criminal, motor vehicle and credit history.

5. Psychological Evaluation: Combination of written tests and interviews to assess suitability for employment in law enforcement.

6. Medical Evaluation: Comprehensive physical examination, including drug screening.

State Police Recruit Training Program

Successful completion of all phases of the selection process means that you are eligible to be considered for final appointment as a Trooper Trainee.  If you are selected as a Trooper Trainee, you will enter the physically and mentally demanding training program at the State Police Academy.  This program lasts thirty (30) weeks and includes classroom instruction, practical exercises and physical conditioning.  Trainees are required to live at the Academy Monday through Friday.  After graduation from the program, Trainees are assigned to one of the 11 State Police Troops throughout the state for a probationary period and on the job training.  Compensation will automatically increase to $57,441 annually.  

Work Locations

State Police Troops & Districts  

       Western District                              Central District                                          Eastern District

• Bridgeport - Troop G                   • Bethany - Troop I                                    • Colchester - Troop K
• Canaan - Troop B                        • Hartford/Bradley Airport - Troop H      • Danielson - Troop D
• Litchfield - Troop L                      • Westbrook - Troop F                               • Montville - Troop E
• Southbury - Troop A                                                                                          • Tolland - Troop C

Important Information

• Contact Information: Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact the State Police Recruiters Office at (203)630-8070 or csp.recruitment@ct.gov.
• New Tattoo Policy: Revised March 1, 2019 to allow covering tattoos on arms with a "sleeve" while head, neck and hand tattoos are not allowed.  Please review prior to completing your applications.
• Applicants on Active Military Duty: Special accommodations may be made for applicants on active military duty at the time of the application filing period.  Documentation showing out of state deployment will be required.  Please contact lawenforcement.exams@ct.gov.
• Frequently Asked Questions: Recruitment & Selections - FAQ
• Please ensure that your application is complete.  You are unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut.  Candidates who submit an untimely, incomplete or inaccurate application will not be considered for this employment opportunity.
• Due to the large volume of applications, please do not call/email to confirm receipt or status of your application.  If your applications submits successfully, you will receive a pop up confirmation, in addition to a confirmation email of your application submission. 

This class is used prior to appointment as a State Police Trooper; takes a prescribed formal academic and on the job training course of one (1) year's duration prior to assignment as a State Police Trooper.

At the State Police Training Academy, trainees receive formal and field instruction in a wide variety of basic police science courses including such subjects as motor vehicle law, laws, techniques and mechanics of arrest, criminal law, search and seizure, detention and transportation of accused, rules of evidence, interviewing and interrogation principles and techniques, communications, traffic control and techniques of patrol, use and care of firearms and equipment, court organization and courtroom procedure including testifying, modern investigative methods and techniques including fingerprinting, ballistics, photography, handwriting and related scientific elements; civil disorder and riot control techniques; accident investigation; first aid; physical training and self-defense tactics; additional courses related to performance of police work including dealing effectively with miscreants; oral communication skills; public speaking and public and community relations; police ethics; history and organization of criminal justice system and department rules, regulations and orders; upon successful completion of academic training is assigned to a troop to receive under close supervision on the job training and practical application of academic training in the full range of law enforcement activities; as knowledge is achieved, techniques mastered and maturity and judgment develop, is assigned increasingly responsible duties with latitude for independent judgment; performs related duties as required; following satisfactory performance of the one (1) year training, is reassigned to a position of State Police Trooper.

Ability to learn and retain information; ability to analyze facts and make decisions; ability to solve problems; ability to analyze emergency situations and develop effective courses of action; reasoning ability; ability to deal effectively with others; ability to understand and communicate oral and written instructions.

Experience and training which would have given the knowledge, skill and ability listed above.

Candidates who demonstrate some or all of the following will be given preference:

• Strong communications skills
• Stable work history
• Excellent attendance records
• Related education or work experience
• Military experience
• Experience working with difficult clientele
• Prior law enforcement experience
• Excellent driving history
• Strong computer skills
• Lifesaving/Medical certifications (CPR, EMR, EMT, Paramedic, LPN, RN)

1. Applicants for this class must have reached their 21st birthday.

2. Applicants must have received a high school diploma or GED before becoming a sworn member of the Division of State Police (CGS.29-3a).

3. Applicants are required to pass a Physical Ability Test prior to appointment.

4. Incumbents in this class must establish residence within Connecticut just prior to completion of the State Police Training Academy.

5. Incumbents must possess and retain a current Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator's license during employment.

In addition to the checking of references, a thorough character investigation of each candidate may be made before names are certified for appointment.

Comprehensive medical and physical examinations are required of all candidates upon a conditional offer of employment. In addition to general good health, candidates must have and retain sufficient strength, stamina, agility, endurance and eyesight and hearing to perform the duties of a State Police Trooper.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.