The Academy

The Rhode Island State Police Training Academy, located in Foster, Rhode Island, is a 23-week residential law enforcement training academy. The 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 duty requirements of serving with the Rhode Island State Police.

Recruits must report to the Academy each week on Sunday at 9:00 p.m. Dismissal is Friday at approximately 6:00 p.m. Recruits are 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 their own equipment, and work to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the Academy grounds. Each recruit and their quarters are 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 ends 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 2 physical training sessions per day. Recruits are required to pass 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  to increase muscular strength and conditioning.

Defensive Tactics Training

Recruits are taught a system of techniques and tactics that provide them with the physical and mental tools required to defend against, control, and apprehend a resistive and/or combative individual.  This training includes boxing instruction, arrest and control techniques, pepper spray training, conducted energy weapon training (TASER), and expandable baton training.  Recruits are required to meet all training objectives of each aspect of the defensive tactics program.            

Firearms

Recruits are provided with the training and skills required to proficiently and safely handle Division-issued firearms. Recruits participate in approximately 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 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, they are 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 and each recruit receives 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.

Upon graduation from the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy, recruits will become a part of a paramilitary organization, operating under a structured chain-of-command. They will be required to abide by the rules and regulations of the Division and enforce the laws of the State of Rhode Island impartially.

At all times, recruits are expected to manifest a calm, professional and courteous demeanor with members of the public and their colleagues.