Selection Process

WHO CAN APPLY?

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

All applicants:

  • You do not need to be a resident of the state to apply
  • must be between the ages of 18 and 35
  • must be a high school graduate or hold a General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
  • must be a citizen of the United States.
  • must possess a valid operator's license prior to starting the Academy or be willing and eligible to obtain one.
  • must not possess a criminal conviction for a felony offense. 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.
  • must display good personal conduct. The Rhode Island State Police has strict guidelines relating to the personal characteristics required for employment as a trooper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Vision

There are two vision acuity requirements. Both requirements must be met to qualify.

  1. Visual acuity of 20/40 (binocular vision) or better without corrective lenses.
  2. Visual acuity of 20/20 or better with corrective lenses.

Any candidate who undergoes any corrective eye surgery must have the procedure completed 6 months prior to the start of the Academy.

An applicant must possess normal color and depth perception as determined by a Division physician. The Farnsworth D-15 color arrangement test will be offered to candidates who fail the Ishihara Color Perception Test. The passing of either the Ishihara or Farnsworth color test will be accepted.

Hearing

An applicant must possess normal hearing ability as determined by a Division physician.

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, 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.

Residency

Rhode Island residency is required upon graduation from the Training Academy.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

To become a Rhode Island State Trooper involves a thorough and multi-step testing and evaluation process.  This process is essential to qualify for selection to attend the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy. Each Academy class is small (less than 50 recruits), to ensure personalized training and mentorship.  While the process is challenging and competitive, it is designed to prepare candidates thoroughly for the responsibilities ahead.

SELECTION PROCESS TIMELINE – CLASS OF 2025

The next Academy class is scheduled to begin in late January 2025.

The current timeline* for the 2025 class is:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Applicants who have successfully completed all phases of the selection process - and who have been selected to receive the psychological exam - will receive a Conditional offer of employment as either a candidate or alternate candidate to participate in the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy.

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.

Candidates and alternates will be informed of their selection to the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy Class of 2025.

Pre-Academy Preparatory Training is a structured program required for all candidates and alternate candidates who have received Conditional Offers of Employment. This program will begin approximately 8 weeks prior to the start of the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy.

The program will focus on preparing each 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 will be provided with information and instruction to prepare them for 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 are required to attend all sessions, one of which is a swim session. Any candidate who fails to attend the mandatory sessions or fails the final physical assessment test will have their Conditional Offer of Employment revoked resulting in removal from the selection process. The attendance for candidates applying from distant locations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

*subject to change.