FAQ

We welcome active duty, reservists, and National Guard members to apply and can offer flexibility in our testing dates, but there is no preference given to members of the military in the selection process.

As an employer, the Rhode Island State Police allows its members the time required to serve their military obligations.

No, all testing is performed by the Rhode Island State Police. However, we will consider condensing the testing schedule for candidates traveling from a significant distance.

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, 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.

During the Physical Examination phase of the application process, candidates will be screened for illegal drugs.

Prior marijuana usage does not automatically disqualify a candidate from the selection process.  Current marijuana use, however, will disqualify applicants from the selection process.  Although the Rhode Island Cannabis Act has decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana and recreational use, Federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) prohibits a user or addict of a controlled substance (as defined by the federal Controlled Substances Act) from possessing any firearms or ammunition.  Marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law.  Because troopers must be able to lawfully possess and use a firearm and ammunition to perform their duties as a sworn law enforcement officer, current marijuana users will be disqualified from the selection process.  In addition, as a recipient of federal grants, the Rhode Island State Police must certify under the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 that it promotes a drug-free work environment.  To that end, pre-employment drug testing is required for any prospective employee seeking employment as a trooper with the Rhode Island State Police.

All recruits entering the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy must be fully vaccinated as defined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) against COVID-19, subject to a medical exemption. 

Proof of vaccination must be provided to Rhode Island State Police Division Physician during the medical examination phase of the application process. To request a medical exemption, a recruit must submit a signed statement from a licensed physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse that has treated or examined the recruit stating that the recruit is exempt from the COVID-19 vaccine because of medical reasons, in accordance with Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines.  Any request for a medical exemption must be approved by the Division physician.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html