The Vermont State Police uses a formal rank structure to reflect the position and level of responsibility for sworn members. The uniform and rank structure of the state police is modeled after that of the U.S. Marine Corps.
To be eligible to participate in the promotional process for any rank a member must have received a rating of “meets or exceeds” in overall performance on his/her two most recent performance evaluations, and must have achieved an overall average in the most recent physical fitness evaluation to the extent contractually required unless excused by a medical certificate.
Colonel
Gold Eagle - Director of the Vermont State Police may be promoted to full Colonel at the discretion of the Commissioner.
Lieutenant Colonel
Silver oak leaf - The Director of the Vermont State Police may be a Lieutenant Colonel, or may be promoted to full colonel at the discretion of the Commissioner of Public Safety. The Lieutenant Colonel rank may also be worn by a Deputy Director, or Director-Designee, prior to a department change of command.
Major
Gold leaf insignia. Captains may be promoted to Major on a case by case basis when the need arises. Currently the State Police has three Majors, each overseeing one of the major divisions of the state police i.e., Field Force, Support Services and the Criminal Division.
Captain
Double bar insignia. Lieutenants with two years of experience at that rank may be considered for promotion to Captain. Each troop area is overseen by a Captain. There are also a number of Captains in staff positions.
Lieutenant
Single bar insignia. Sergeants with four years of experience at that level may be considered for promotion to Lieutenant. Lieutenants are commissioned officers and the rank generally includes Station Commanders as well as Commanders of other specialized divisions within the State Police. All members hired after January 1, 1998, must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university to be eligible for a promotion to Lieutenant.
Senior Sergeant
Triple chevron insignia with rocker. Sergeants with 15 years of service are promoted to Senior Sergeant.
Sergeant
Triple chevron insignia. Troopers are eligible for consideration for promotion to sergeant after a minimum of five years with the Department. Sergeants in the State Police are the first line supervisors, typically referred to as Patrol Commanders. Many of the Department's detectives also hold the rank of Sergeant. All members hired after January 1, 1998, must possess an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university to be eligible for a promotion to Sergeant.
Corporal
Double chevron insignia. Troopers are promoted to Corporal upon completion of fifteen years of service.
Trooper
Single chevron insignia. Upon completion of their original probationary period, VSP members are promoted to the rank of Trooper. Original probation generally lasts for one year.
Probationary Trooper
No rank insignia. This is the entry level rank of all members of the State Police. The original probationary period generally lasts for one year, and includes the initial training & certification classes.