State Police Trooper Trainee

Introduction

Awaken your potential and apply now to be a State Police Trooper!

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

The State of Connecticut is committed to providing a safe and thriving environment for our community, and visitors. We believe our employees should receive comprehensive and competitive benefits for choosing to help us best serve our community, which include:

• 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;
• The chance to work for a Forbes top company: State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule;
• A 25 year hazardous duty retirement plan;
• A comprehensive health and wellness benefit package. (Even more here!)

COMPENSATION GUIDELINES (Effective 6/30/2023 applicable collective bargaining agreements)

Hire

• Trooper Trainee (6 months): TR $63,323
• Trooper Trainee (Certified 2+ years): TR $72,555
• Meal Allowance: 2.5 hours pay per week (5 hours per pay period) for the 1/2 hour paid meal period.

UPON GRADUATION

• Trooper Trainee: SP 2/1 - $70,360 - 1 year working test period from the date of graduation.
• Trooper Trainee (Certified 2+ years): SP 2/2 - $72,555 - 6 month working test period from the date of graduation.

Trooper Trainees are eligible for Stipends after graduation from the State Police Training Academy. They are as follows:

• Annual Wellness Stipend $500
• Educational Stipend $500
• Equipment Stipend $150

CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICERS
The Connecticut State Police is now compensating Certified Police Officers that enter into the State Police Training Academy at a higher pay rate. This incentive program is open to all Certified Police Officers with a minimum of 2 years of experience and no more than a 2-year uninterrupted absence from the profession. We value the expertise and dedication that comes with experience, and we welcome those who have maintained their commitment to the profession and the community. A study recently ranked Connecticut as the best state in the United States to be a Police Officer. Join us and be a part of a team that recognizes and rewards your valuable skills.

• Candidates with this experience will still be required to attend and graduate the full Training Academy.
• Operational needs of the agency will weigh heavily on the initial assignment of hired Troopers. During the training period, DESPP will work with the State Police Trooper Trainees to identify locations that are geographically compatible to their desired location.
• Hired troopers will be required to work various shifts throughout their career. We are seeking qualified individuals who are trustworthy, motivated, and driven. Individuals should be able to work well on their own, as well as in a team environment.
• Certified Police Officers do not include: Correctional Officers, Police Cadets, Auxiliaries, or crossing guards.
• Certified Police Officers from other states and any other employment classifications are subject to review.
• Please note, this is not considered a lateral transfer.

OUR DEDICATION TO CONNECTICUT
We strive to provide superior Public Safety Services for Connecticut and achieve them through our 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. DESPP is an equal opportunity employer.

For more information, including frequently asked questions, please visit the Connecticut State Police Recruitment and Selections website. Applicants can also follow the Connecticut State Police Recruitment and Selections Unit on social media by tapping the links below.

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

Selection Plan

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

1. Application Period: How to apply for the State Police Trooper Trainee Job Opening

• Please ensure that your application is complete. You are unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut. Applicant Support can be reached by email at DAS.SHRM@ct.gov. 
• 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 application submits successfully, a pop-up confirmation displays, which is followed by a confirmation email. You can view all emailed notices on your Personal Status Board by clicking the date in the Last Notice column for this recruitment. 
• Applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies.
• In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
• Any candidate currently in any stage of the recruitment and selection process for the Winter of 2023 Recruitment #231101-7961SP-001, must reapply to this job posting to be further considered for employment as a Trooper Trainee within DESPP.  This will ensure that you are on an active list no matter the outcome of your current recruitment process.
• All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period.  It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception.  Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.

2. Referral Questions: These questions are designed to allow hiring managers to learn more about your abilities and skills related to the State Police Trooper Trainee position.

• Referral questions will be asked during the application filing period. Applicants must respond to each to successfully complete their application.
• Please do not call or email about referral questions or application status. If you successfully submit on time, you will receive a confirmation page immediately following your submission.

3. Physical Fitness Assessment: Candidates must complete and pass a Physical Fitness Assessment that measures muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility. 

• Connecticut State Police will run a Physical Fitness Test once a month throughout the application period (October through December) to include once in January 2025. Please do not call or email for status updates. The Connecticut State Police Recruitment & Selections Unit will contact you directly via your email to schedule testing.
• Please continue to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for all future updates. 
• On Orientation Day, applicants must also pass an additional physical agility assessment to secure their seat in 137th Trooper Trainee Academy Training Troop.

Additionally, candidates can obtain a valid CHIP card prior to and in lieu of the Connecticut State Police Physical Agility Test. To register, please follow the instructions on the CHIP Test Schedule.

4. Polygraph Examination: Summary of inquiries are the below.

• 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.

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

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

7. 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 a minimum of twenty-eight (28) weeks which includes classroom instruction, practical exercises and physical conditioning. Note, 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 the job training. 

WORK LOCATIONS

Western District

• Bridgeport - Troop G / Canaan - Troop B / Litchfield - Troop L / Southbury - Troop A

Central District 

• Bethany - Troop I / Hartford Bradley Airport - Troop H / Westbrook - Troop F

Eastern District 

• Colchester - Troop K / Danielson - Troop D / Montville - Troop E / Tolland - Troop C

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Incumbents in this class will be required by the appointing authority to possess and retain appropriate current licenses, permits and/or certification including certification by the Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POSTC). 

New Tattoo Policy: Revised October 17, 2022.

Applicants on Military Duty:  Applicants on active military duty should contact DAS.SHRM@ct.gov to discuss the possibility of special testing accommodations.  Special accommodation for active military personnel should be requested during the application filing period if possible. If not possible, special accommodations must be requested within 4 weeks of return from active military service. Copies of military orders will be required for all requests.

Frequently Asked Questions: Please visit our Recruitment & Selections FAQ.

Contact Information: Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact the State Police Recruitment & Selections Office at (203) 630-8070 or email a recruiter at csp.recruitment@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

This class is used prior to appointment as a State Police Trooper; takes a prescribed formal academic and on the job training course prior to assignment as a State Police Trooper.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

At the Police Training Academy:

• Receives 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 training, is reassigned to a position of State Police Trooper.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Experience responding to questions from the general public through phone, email and face-to-face interactions;
• Related education or work experience in criminal justice;
• Military experience;
• Prior law enforcement experience;
• Experience working in challenging working conditions, including extreme weather;
• Experience in conflict resolution;
• Experience working with computers systems (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Electronic Record, etc.);
• Lifesaving/Medical certifications (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CPR, Electronic Medical Records EMR, Emergency Medical Technician EMT, Paramedic).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants for this class must have reached their 21st birthday.
• Applicants must have received a high school diploma or GED before becoming a sworn member of the Division of State Police (PA 91-12, Sec.48).
• Applicants are required to pass a Physical Ability test prior to appointment.
• Incumbents in this class must establish residence within Connecticut just prior to completion of the State Police Training Academy.
• Incumbents must possess and retain a current Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator's license during employment.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

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

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Comprehensive medical and physical examinations will be 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.

Conclusion

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.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.