TO WORK: Be a RI State Trooper

Since April, the RI State Police have been in recruitment mode for filling close to 30 Trooper positions. Applications will end on July 2nd, so now is the time to learn more.

Positions begin at a paygrade of 80A with a salary range between $66,356 to $80,903.

Here is what you need to know:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Age
  • An applicant must have reached the age of eighteen (18) years in order to be admitted as a candidate to the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy. The maximum age of admission to the Training Academy is age thirty-five (35).
• Education
  • An applicant must be a high school graduate or have obtained a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) issued by a state department of education.
• Criminal History
  • An applicant must not possess a criminal conviction(s) for a felony offense(s). During the background investigation, a candidate is evaluated relative to an established set of criteria. Candidates are asked many personal questions, including but not limited to the recency and frequency of traffic citations, at-fault automobile collisions, illegal drug usage, arrests and convictions.
• Conduct
  • An applicant must display good personal conduct. The Rhode Island State Police has strict guidelines relating to the personal characteristics required for employment as a trooper.
• Citizenship
  • An applicant must be a citizen of the United States.
• Vision
  • An applicant must possess visual acuity of 20/40 (binocular vision) or better without correction, and visual acuity of 20/20 or better with corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses).
    An applicant must possess normal color and depth perception as determined by a Division physician.
• Hearing
  • An applicant must possess normal hearing ability as determined by a Division physician.
• Driver’s License
  • Must possess a valid operator’s license prior to starting the Academy, or be willing and eligible to obtain one.
• Tattoos and/or Body Markings
  • An applicant must not have any tattoos or other body art which is visible while in Division uniform. The use of a flesh colored sleeve will be acceptable to conceal any tattoos that are visible from the upper arm to the wrist bone.
  • Tattoos cannot be located on the head; face; neck above the v-neck t-shirt line; inside the eyelid, mouth or ears; wrists; hands; or fingers.
  • Under no circumstances will tattoos that are considered offensive be permissible. These include but are not limited to extremist tattoos; indecent tattoos; sexist tattoos; or racist tattoos.

THERE IS A $50 NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION FEE THAT MUST BE PAID UPON SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION (Application fee of $50 is required, pursuant to RI General Laws Section 42-28-25.)  

Selection Process:

Applicants must complete each of following phases successfully for entry into the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy. Failure to successfully pass each category will result in dismissal from the selection process.

• Physical Assessment Qualification
  • Sit-Ups
    This is a measure of the muscular endurance of the applicant’s abdominal and hip flexor muscles. Applicants must lie on their backs, knees bent, with fingers interlocked behind their head, heels flat on the floor. Another applicant will hold their feet down. The applicant’s heels will be approximately the distance between the applicant’s outstretched thumb and small finger from the buttocks. From the “down or starting” position on their back, the applicant will raise their upper body, fingers interlocked behind their head, and touch their elbows to their knees at the “up” ending position. Applicants will then lower themselves until their shoulder blades touch the mat. This will be recorded as one (1) correct sit-up. Applicants may rest only in the “up” position. The applicant score will be the total number of correct sit-ups completed in one (1) minute.
  • Push-Ups
    This is a measure of the applicant’s muscular endurance of the upper body (anterior deltoids, the pectorals and triceps). The applicant’s hands are placed slightly wider than shoulder width apart, with fingers pointed forward. The administrator of the event will place one (1) sponge on the floor below the applicant’s chest. Starting from the “up” position (elbows extended), the applicant must keep their back straight at all times and lower their body to the floor until their chest touches the sponge. The applicant then returns to the “up” position. This is recorded as one (1) correct push-up. Resting should be done only in the “up” position. The total number of push-ups with correct form completed in one (1) minute is recorded as the score.
  • 300 Meter Run
    This is a measure of the applicant’s anaerobic power capacity. Applicants will run a distance of 300 meters at a maximal level of effort. Time used to complete the distance will be recorded in seconds.
  • 1.5 Mile Run
    This test is used to measure the efficiency of the cardiovascular system and how it responds to imposed physical demand. The applicant must run or jog a distance of 1.5 miles in the shortest time possible. All scores are individually recorded.
• Written Examination
  • Applicants must successfully complete a written examination, which measures interpersonal skills and cognitive reasoning. The examination is designed, prepared, and scored by an independent, professional research company. All candidates are encouraged to review the Law Enforcement Study Guide for Written Examination prior to the administration of the written examination.
• Structured Oral Interview
  • Applicants that successfully pass the physical agility assessment and written examination will appear before an structured oral interview board. The structured oral interview process is designed, prepared and scored by an independent, professional research company. The structured oral interview consists of a series of questions administered by Division members and conducted in a fair and impartial manner. Applicants receive ratings for each question posed. Additionally, applicants will be evaluated on oral communication, interpersonal skills, effectiveness under stress as well as appearance and demeanor. All candidates are encouraged to review the Structured Oral Interview Preparation Guide prior to the administration of the structured oral interview.
• Background Investigation
  • Applicants will then undergo an extensive background investigation conducted by a member of the Rhode Island State Police Detective Bureau regarding their past employment record, education, criminal history, consumer credit history, community reputation, military service, and overall character.
• Psychological Examination
  • Applicants deemed eligible to continue in the process are administered a written psychological examination, along with a follow-up interview by a licensed psychologist. All evaluations are interpreted by a licensed psychologist retained by the Division.
• Medical Examination
  • Applicants deemed eligible to continue in the process must pass a complete medical examination and be found medically qualified by a physician designated by the Rhode Island State Police.
• Conditional Offer of Employment
  • Applicants who have successfully completed all phases of the selection process, to include the Recruitment Mentorship Program, will receive a Conditional Offer of Employment as either a candidate or alternate candidate to participate in the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy.
• Recruitment Mentorship Program
  • The Recruit Mentorship Program is a structured program required for all candidates/alternate candidates who have received Conditional Offers of Employment. This program will commence approximately five (5) weeks prior to the start of the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy.
  • The program will focus on preparing each candidate/alternate candidate for success in the Training Academy. There will be a physical assessment conducted at the start of the program and a final physical assessment at the conclusion of the program to coincide with the commencement of the Training Academy.
  • Candidates/alternate candidates will be provided with information and instruction to assist them in general readiness to attend the Training Academy, including techniques to increase cardiovascular endurance and upper body strength, swimming instruction and water safety instruction. Basic military movements and commands will also be demonstrated to assist with proper military bearing.
  • Candidates/alternate candidates are required to attend all five (5) sessions, one of which is a swim session.

Any candidate/alternate candidate who fails to attend the mandatory five (5) sessions and/or fails the final physical assessment test will have his/her Conditional Offer of Employment revoked resulting in removal from the selection process.

Any applicant who fails to successfully complete the applicant selection process is encouraged to reapply for future Rhode Island State Police Recruit classes.

For additional information, including links to study guides:

https://risp.ri.gov/academy/selection.php

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Enforces traffic and criminal laws; conducts preliminary, and as required, continuing investigations, perform other related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the immediate supervision of a non-commissioned officer and general supervision of other superior officers; work is reviewed to ensure conformance to rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Usually none.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• Wear various Division-issued uniforms throughout the year while performing the duties of a sworn law enforcement officer.
• Operate a Division vehicle, at any hour of the daytime or nighttime, during emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic, and during unsafe road conditions created by fog, smoke, rain, snow and ice while simultaneously communicating over Division radio channels. Such operation must be consistent with federal and state statutes and Division rules and regulations.
• Identify and articulate violations of local, state, and federal statutes and the appropriate enforcement action.
• Access electronic databases/files to obtain, verify, or evaluate information, to create, edit, save and produce textual and non-textual materials with word processing and spreadsheet software and a printer.
• Perform office and dispatch duties, to include operation of telephone, radio, video monitoring and personal computer/workstation equipment and related software.
• Perform related patrol/investigational work as required.
• Engage in law enforcement functions, such as processing accident scenes, assisting with emergency operations, working security and traffic assignments.
• Ability to work non-traditional schedule as required for a twenty-four/seven law enforcement operation, such as rotating shifts, night shifts, holidays and weekends.
• Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents.
• Operate a radio to communicate with barracks/headquarters, contact NCIC Unit to check for wants/warrants on persons through local/state/federal computer system or request the dispatch of emergency vehicles, such as tow trucks and rescue units.
• Communicate effectively and coherently over Division radio channels; initiating and responding to radio communications under normal and stressful conditions while operating a Division vehicle.
• Read and interpret coded materials, such as National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) printouts and Department of Motor Vehicle driver’s records, and written materials, such as police practices and policies, and procedures.
• Preparation and processing of documents, such as, summonses, affidavits, warrants, and administrative documents.
  Communicate with other state/federal and local law enforcement agencies pursuant to Division Rules, Regulations and Policies.
• Inspect the driver’s operating license and registration/insurance cards of detained motorists.
• Prepare investigative reports and other documents, including sketches, using proper grammar, symbols, and mathematical computations.
• Effectively communicate with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, advising them of their constitutional rights (when required by law), mediating disputes, and making public speaking presentations.
• Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree.
• Effect an arrest, using lethal and non-lethal force when necessary; use handcuffs and other restraints; subdue resisting suspects using defensive tactics and intermediate defense weapons; resort to the use of one’s hands and feet in self-defense.
• Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis for criminal prosecution.
• Pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations which may involve quickly exiting and entering a patrol cruiser; lift, carry and drag heavy objects; climb over obstacles; jump down from elevated surfaces; climb through openings; crawl through confined areas; balance on unsteady and/or uneven surfaces; use physical force to gain entrance through barriers.
• Process and transport prisoners and committed mental patients using handcuffs in Division vehicles.
  Process arrested subjects, including taking photographs and obtaining legible sets of inked/electronic fingerprint impressions.
• Observe the physical condition of prisoners to determine if medical attention is required.
• Use handcuffs to restrain resistant/compliant arrestee or transportee.
• Gather information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining statements from victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informants.
• Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings, and large outdoor areas which may require detection by visual observation in varying light conditions, by listening, by touch, by walking for long periods of time, by detaining people, or by stopping suspicious vehicles and persons or by any combination of the above.
• Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
• Ability to maintain a controlled composure when involved in contentious interactions, and ability to appropriately deal with combative individuals.
• Perform rescue functions at accidents, disasters, and other emergency situations to include administering medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations.
• Attend briefings or roll calls.
• Perform temporary court duties and responsibilities.
• Load, unload, aim and fire handguns, shotguns and other Division firearms, using both hands, from a variety of body positions, under conditions of stress that justify the use of force at the proficiency levels prescribed in certification standards.
• Demonstrate communication skills in court and other formal settings.
• Perform other tasks, as required.

Please direct questions regarding this position to [email protected]

Jobs close at 11:59 PM (Eastern) on the deadline date specified, or when the position capacity has been met, or unless otherwise specified in the announcement. If the deadline date is not specified in the announcement, the agency has sole discretion on setting the deadline and jobs may close without notice. It is the applicant’s responsibility to thoroughly read and understand the deadline requirements and capacity limits as outlined by the agency.

Applicants are responsible for checking their email and logging into their PoliceApp, PublicSafetyApp, FireFighterApp or EmployementApp account to monitor for emails, scheduling and process updates.

Apply here: https://www.policeapp.com/Jobs/candidates/login/?JobID=3015