Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page. Here, you'll find detailed information to help you prepare for future employment as a Vermont State Trooper.
Explore the sections below for essential guidance and tips.
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page. Here, you'll find detailed information to help you prepare for future employment as a Vermont State Trooper.
Explore the sections below for essential guidance and tips.
Preparing for a career as a Vermont State Trooper involves focusing on conduct, education, experience, and finances.
By following these guidelines, you will be well-prepared to uphold the values and responsibilities of a Vermont State Trooper.
To apply, you need to meet the minimum fitness standards based on a 2000 meter row at the 50th percentile. Check our Fitness Standards below for more details.
Besides the row, you'll also need to complete:
Prepare well to meet these requirements.
Staff hired after July 1, 2019, must cover their arms with department-provided fabric sleeves while on duty if they have tattoos that would be apparent while wearing the short-sleeve uniform — formally known as the Class “C” summer uniform — or any other uniform in which their arms are visible. The sleeves are available in black or an array of skin tones.
Extremist, sexist, or racist tattoos and tattoos on the face, neck, or hands are prohibited.
To read the full sections of policy, click here.
You do not have to be a current resident of Vermont to apply. However, you must establish residency in Vermont by the time you graduate the basic Academy.
If you're on active duty, you should begin applying about six months before your separation date.
No. Contact your high school for a copy of your transcript.
No. If hired, you’ll be trained at the academy. Pre-Basic classes begin in January and July, and the Basic Academy begins immediately afterwards. The entire training process at the Academy is about 27 weeks.
Yes, with three years of law enforcement experience and approval of training records. You must submit all of your training records and certifications to us for approval. The hiring process remains the same.
The waiver process is overseen by the Vermont Police Academy and the Vermont Criminal Justice Council. More information is available on their website at this link.
Yes, starting from your first day of Pre-Basic.
Yes, typically from Sunday evening to Friday afternoon. If your home far from the Academy, we can direct you to local motels that offer discounts.
You'll choose your top three barracks during training, but final assignment depends on department needs.
We always do our best to station new Trooper to a barracks that works well for them.
Training lasts for about 27 weeks, including field training.
The first 3 weeks are similar to a military style boot camp and involves only State Police recruits. The next 17 weeks involve attendance and graduation from the basic police academy.
The remaining 7 weeks of "post basic" training is for certifications such as DWI, radar, first aid/CPR, shotgun, emergency vehicle operation, and several other specialty courses. Instruction in the State Police computer system and remaining equipment issues will also be included.
Graduates participate in a 45-day minimum and 63-day maximum Field Training Program under the supervision of another Trooper.
Shifts vary by barracks and include days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Typical shifts can look like:
Troopers often work alone in remote areas. They must be mentally and physically prepared to deal with any situation until additional support arrives.
We train our Troopers to handle these kinds of situations. However, it also requires self-confidence, which can only come from within.
All gear and uniforms are provided by the State, including a take-home patrol vehicle.
Applicants must be drug-free for one year, including marijuana use.
The Vermont State Police values diversity and encourages minorities and women to apply.
Yes. The state prohibits discrimination and offers a right to appeal if discriminated against.
Discrimination because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, place of birth, age, or against a qualified person with disabilities, or any other non-merit factor is prohibited.
Any applicant for employment who feels discriminated against in his or her opportunity for employment shall have the right to appeal. Such appeals shall be submitted in writing to the Commissioner of Public Safety at the following address no later than 30 calendar days from the effective date of the action being appealed:
Department of Public Safety
45 State Drive
Waterbury, Vermont 05671-2101