Rhode Island State Police - Entry Level Police Officer

APPLICATION / REGISTRATION FEE:

THERE IS A $50 NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION / REGISTRATION FEE THAT MUST BE PAID UPON SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION (Application fee of $50 is required, pursuant to RI General Laws Section 42-28-25.)  

FEE WAIVER ELIGIBILITY

The Application Fee Waiver can be found on page 3 of the PRELIMINARY APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Age

An applicant must have reached the age of eighteen (18) years in order to be admitted as a candidate to the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy. The maximum age of admission to the Training Academy is age thirty-five (35).

Education

An applicant must be a high school graduate or have obtained a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) issued by a state department of education.

Criminal History

An applicant must not possess a criminal conviction(s) for a felony offense(s). 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.

Conduct

An applicant must display good personal conduct. The Rhode Island State Police has strict guidelines relating to the personal characteristics required for employment as a trooper.

Citizenship

An applicant must be a citizen of the United States.

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.

Driver's License

Must possess a valid operator's license prior to starting the Academy, or be willing and eligible to obtain one.

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.

Selection Process:

Applicants must complete each of the following phases successfully for entry into the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy. Failure to successfully pass each category will result in dismissal from the selection process.

Physical Assessment Qualification

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.

Written Examination

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.

Structured Oral Interview

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.

Background Investigation

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.

Psychological Examination

• 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.

Medical Examination 

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.

• Conditional Offer of Employment

  • Applicants who have successfully completed all phases of the selection process, to include the Recruitment Mentorship Program, will receive a Conditional Offer of Employment as either a candidate or alternate candidate to participate in the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy.
•  

• PRE-ACADEMY PREPATORY TRAINING

  • 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.

Any applicant who fails to successfully complete the applicant selection process is encouraged to reapply for future Rhode Island State Police Recruit classes.

For additional information, including links to study guides:

https://risp.ri.gov/academy/selection.php

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Enforces traffic and criminal laws; conducts preliminary, and as required, continuing investigations, perform other related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the immediate supervision of a non-commissioned officer and general supervision of other superior officers; work is reviewed to ensure conformance to rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Usually none.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• Wear various Division-issued uniforms throughout the year while performing the duties of a sworn law enforcement officer.
• Operate a Division vehicle, at any hour of the daytime or nighttime, during emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic, and during unsafe road conditions created by fog, smoke, rain, snow and ice while simultaneously communicating over Division radio channels. Such operation must be consistent with federal and state statutes and Division rules and regulations.
• Identify and articulate violations of local, state, and federal statutes and the appropriate enforcement action.
• Access electronic databases/files to obtain, verify, or evaluate information, to create, edit, save and produce textual and non-textual materials with word processing and spreadsheet software and a printer.
• Perform office and dispatch duties, to include operation of telephone, radio, video monitoring and personal computer/workstation equipment and related software.
• Perform related patrol/investigational work as required.
• Engage in law enforcement functions, such as processing accident scenes, assisting with emergency operations, working security and traffic assignments.
• Ability to work non-traditional schedule as required for a twenty-four/seven law enforcement operation, such as rotating shifts, night shifts, holidays and weekends.
• Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents.
• Operate a radio to communicate with barracks/headquarters, contact NCIC Unit to check for wants/warrants on persons through local/state/federal computer system or request the dispatch of emergency vehicles, such as tow trucks and rescue units.
• Communicate effectively and coherently over Division radio channels; initiating and responding to radio communications under normal and stressful conditions while operating a Division vehicle.
• Read and interpret coded materials, such as National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) printouts and Department of Motor Vehicle driver's records, and written materials, such as police practices and policies, and procedures.
• Preparation and processing of documents, such as, summonses, affidavits, warrants, and administrative documents.
  Communicate with other state/federal and local law enforcement agencies pursuant to Division Rules, Regulations and Policies.
• Inspect the driver's operating license and registration/insurance cards of detained motorists.
• Prepare investigative reports and other documents, including sketches, using proper grammar, symbols, and mathematical computations.
• Effectively communicate with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, advising them of their constitutional rights (when required by law), mediating disputes, and making public speaking presentations.
• Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree.
• Effect an arrest, using lethal and non-lethal force when necessary; use handcuffs and other restraints; subdue resisting suspects using defensive tactics and intermediate defense weapons; resort to the use of one's hands and feet in self-defense.
• Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis for criminal prosecution.
• Pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations which may involve quickly exiting and entering a patrol cruiser; lift, carry and drag heavy objects; climb over obstacles; jump down from elevated surfaces; climb through openings; crawl through confined areas; balance on unsteady and/or uneven surfaces; use physical force to gain entrance through barriers.
• Process and transport prisoners and committed mental patients using handcuffs in Division vehicles.
  Process arrested subjects, including taking photographs and obtaining legible sets of inked/electronic fingerprint impressions.
• Observe the physical condition of prisoners to determine if medical attention is required.
• Use handcuffs to restrain resistant/compliant arrestee or transportee.
• Gather information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining statements from victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informants.
• Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings, and large outdoor areas which may require detection by visual observation in varying light conditions, by listening, by touch, by walking for long periods of time, by detaining people, or by stopping suspicious vehicles and persons or by any combination of the above.
• Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
• Ability to maintain a controlled composure when involved in contentious interactions, and ability to appropriately deal with combative individuals.
• Perform rescue functions at accidents, disasters, and other emergency situations to include administering medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations.
• Attend briefings or roll calls.
• Perform temporary court duties and responsibilities.
• Load, unload, aim and fire handguns, shotguns and other Division firearms, using both hands, from a variety of body positions, under conditions of stress that justify the use of force at the proficiency levels prescribed in certification standards.
• Demonstrate communication skills in court and other formal settings.
• Perform other tasks, as required.

PROPOSED TIMELINE:

Application period opens: June, 2024

Application period closes: August 31, 2024

Physical fitness assessments: July, 2024

Written examinations: July 2024 

Oral interviews: August 2024

Background Investigations: August - November 2024

Psychological testing: September - November 2024

Conditional offers of employment: September - November 2024

Physical examinations: November / December 2024

Selection of Class: December 2024

Pre-Academy Preparatory Training: December 2024 - January 2025

Training Academy Class of 2025 begins: January 21, 2025

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RI STATE POLICE, GO TO https://risp.ri.gov/ 

An Equal Opportunity Employer.