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ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
OF A VERMONT STATE TROOPER
  • Communicate effectively with others and, if necessary, endure verbal abuse from suspects, arrestees, and others encountered in antagonistic situations.
  • Restrain persons, including violent individuals, when necessary to safeguard the person or others.
  • Engage in defense of self and others using physical force, including approved weapons and instruments.
  • Affect an arrest, forcibly as required, using handcuffs and other restraints.
  • Load, unload, aim, and fire the Division handgun from a variety of body positions, under conditions of stress, in adverse conditions, with appropriate proficiency.
  • Carry a loaded Division shotgun in a safe manner for an extended period of time.
  • Disassemble (break down), clean, inspect, and reassemble Division weapons.
  • Safely handle non-Division issue weapons.
  • Perform crowd control duties at rallies, demonstrations, or riots.
  • While under adverse conditions, put on and function while wearing a gas mask.
  • Possess sufficient physical resources to stay alert, focused, and functional after extended tours of duty, rotating shifts, and repeated rapid changes from sedentary activity to strenuous physical activity.
  • Possess a valid drivers license.
  • Operate Division vehicles at all times of the day (both daylight and darkness) and during various inclement weather conditions.
  • Drive safely in congested traffic.
  • Be able to steer a police vehicle with one hand while operating the radio, emergency lights, siren, and spotlight.
  • Maintain safe operation of the motor vehicle on patrol while observing parked and approaching vehicles, pedestrians, and the exteriors of commercial buildings.
  • Maintain police vehicle, i.e., check oil, fill with gas, clean, change flat tire, to ensure emergency response availability.
  • Safely back a troop car as necessary.
  • Transport arrested persons as necessary.
  • From a sedentary status, quickly enter/exit your vehicle.
  • Engage in running foot pursuit to capture fleeing suspects.
  • Perform duties, including strenuous physical activity, during all climates. (Rain, snow, freezing temperatures, etc.)
  • Able to walk/run long distances over rough, uneven and irregular terrain, while carrying a shotgun, rescue equipment, etc.
  • Scale a fence or wall as necessary.
  • Lift, carry, or drag heavy objects, such as an unconscious person.
  • Work or stand for extended periods of time, without relief, with irregular and uncertain meal breaks, without food or liquid for long periods of time, and without sleep.
  • Operate standard items of office equipment including computers, copiers, typewriters, etc.
  • Operate various pieces of police related equipment.
  • Operate snowmobiles, boats and/or other non-traditional police vehicles.
  • Pass Department Physical Fitness Standards, and maintain a level of physical fitness as outlined in Department Rules & Regulations.
  • Members hired after July 1, 1986 must pass a semi-annual physical fitness test.
  • Hear, comprehend, and react to radio transmissions. Communicate on the radio effectively and coherently.
  • Obtain and broadcast accurate descriptions of suspects and/or vehicles.
  • Identify, isolate, interview, and obtain statements of relevant persons.
  • Read and comprehend legal and other documents, including the preparation, processing, and issuing of such documents as tickets, affidavits, citations, written statements, and warrants.
  • Complete necessary processing tasks, including fingerprinting, photographs, and various reports.
  • Communicate with the public via telephone and in person to address their needs and requests.
  • Gather information from a variety of sources and prepare various reports in a timely fashion using appropriate grammar, symbols and punctuation.
  • Testify in court proceedings in a concise and understandable manner.
  • Locate, isolate, and preserve crime scenes.
  • Locate trace evidence at crime scenes through the use of unaided sight.
  • Collect and safeguard evidence.
  • Identify license plate numbers, inspection and registration sticker information, street signs and house numbers while driving.
  • Identify the colors of license plates, inspection and registration stickers, motor vehicles, structures and clothing.
  • Use the sense of smell to detect the presence of smoke or fire, or other materials such as illegal drugs or alcohol.
  • Direct traffic and investigate accidents for long periods of time under heavy traffic conditions and during inclement weather.
  • Remove hazards from roadway or at accident scene, i.e., dead animals, debris.
  • Coordinate enforcement activity with other federal, state, county and municipal police agencies on an as-needed basis.
  • Operate and maintain audio surveillance devices including being able to monitor conversations with much background noise.
  • Conduct searches of people, vehicles, buildings, things, and outdoor areas, which may involve the sense of touch to objects.
  • Exercise independent judgment within legal guidelines to determine compliance with applicable motor vehicle and criminal laws/statutes.
  • Under the stress of emergency situations, dispatch patrols and other emergency personnel while simultaneously handling the public.
  • Assume shift responsibility for station operations, including maintenance, utility function, and security of the station.
  • Extinguish small fires by using a fire extinguisher or other appropriate means.
  • Provide first aid as needed, including CPR and the Heimlich maneuver.
  • Put on and wear division issued uniform and all associated equipment when needed, including a dress blouse and Sam Browne belt.
  • Possess sufficient physical, mental, and emotional resources to complete 23 weeks of physical and academic training away from home while attending the Vermont State Police Recruit Orientation and Vermont Police Academy.
   
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