Daily Routine at the Academy

The Rhode Island State Police Training Academy, located in Foster, Rhode Island, is a twenty-four (24) week live-in law enforcement training academy with a dormitory setting. This resident Training Academy is designed to challenge each recruit to determine if one possesses the necessary intelligence, emotional stability, physical stamina, and other criteria necessary to meet training objectives and active duty requirements.

Every recruit must report to the Academy for training each Sunday at 9:00 p.m. Dismissal from the Academy is each Friday at approximately 6:00 p.m. Each recruit is provided a bed, linens and a locker. The Academy serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day in the dining hall. Each recruit is required to care for his/her own equipment, as well as the cleanliness and orderliness of the Academy grounds. Each recruit and his/her quarters is subject to random inspections by the training staff, and the class will undergo a formal inspection daily.

Recruits follow a rigorous daily training schedule. Each day begins with reveille at 6:00 a.m. followed by military drill, the raising of the colors, classroom instruction and physical training. Each day culminates with lights out at 10:00 p.m.

Curriculum

The Rhode Island State Police Academy utilizes an Adult Based Learning methodology where the recruits are expected to be active participants in the learning process. Each recruit is provided a laptop computer with wireless internet access to be used for researching the numerous assignments and topics covered in the curriculum. The curriculum consists of units focusing on comprehensive aspects of law enforcement. Each recruit is required to pass both written and practical examinations throughout the Academy. Each written examination requires a minimum passing score of 70%. Practical examinations focus on hands-on scenarios requiring recruits to demonstrate proficiency in the subject matter and skills covered in the unit. The curriculum relies heavily on scenario based training and research assignments. Due to the rigorous nature of the curriculum, recruits are provided with approximately two (2) hours in the evening to be used for class assignments, study periods and exam preparation.

Physical Training

Designed to prepare recruits for the rigors of a career as a Rhode Island State Trooper, physical training consists of two (2) physical training sessions per day. Recruits are required to pass four (4) physical training tests during the Academy. Running is also a large part of the physical training program. Body weight resistance exercises are also used in order to increase muscular strength and conditioning.

Combatives

Consists of active counter measures during which the recruits will learn basic boxing skills and successfully complete full speed bouts against a classmate of approximate size and skill. Active Counter Measures is followed by combatives training which consists of empty hand control techniques and handcuffing. The recruits will also receive public order training, expandable baton training, chemical agent training and electrical conductive weapon training (TASER). Recruits are required to meet the objectives of the training in each aspect of the combatives training program.

Firearms

Recruits are provided with the training and skills required to proficiently and safely handle Division issued firearms. Recruits participate in approximately eighty (80) hours of firearms instruction and are required to qualify on the range with Division issued firearms.

Water Safety

The water safety program focuses on proper swim techniques, basic lifesaving skills and water survival. Each recruit is required to complete a minimum skills test in order to participate in the water safety program. Recruits receive approximately 20 hours of water safety and lifesaving instruction. Recruits who fail to complete the minimum skills test are given remedial instruction and re-tested. If a recruit has difficulty swimming, he/she is strongly urged to seek outside swim instruction prior to entering the Academy.

Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC)

Multiple hours of driving instruction will take place on a driving course designed to simulate various driving conditions. Each recruit receives six (6) hours of defensive driving classroom instruction. Each recruit is required to show proficiency in the operation of emergency vehicles during stressful and demanding driving situations encountered in the performance of law enforcement duties. Recruits are required to pass a driving proficiency test.

Reasons for Dismissal

Recruits are expected to show the highest ethical and moral standards as it relates to truthfulness and conduct both during Academy hours and while on leave. The Rhode Island State Police reserves the right to summarily dismiss any recruit who engages in untruthfulness, plagiarism and/or cheating or who engages in conduct unbecoming of the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy.