Is there a mandatory retirement age?

Yes, the mandatory retirement age for all State Police officers is 55. You must be at least 20 years of age to be hired.

I am a full-time certified police officer, do I have to go through another full time academy?

If you are a Vermont full-time certified police officer, no, you do not have to go through another full time academy. If you are a certified police officer in another state you will be required to attend the full time academy.

Notice - Applicants who have attended a full time police academy; and who have a minimum of two years of uninterrupted service as a full time police officer in their respective state prior to the date of hire are eligible for a higher rate of pay.

I am currently on active duty and scheduled to separate from the service in the very near future. I cannot make it to any of the initial test dates posted on your web site. What are my options?

Military personnel who cannot make it to any of the initial test dates may make special arrangements with our staff for testing at the Office of Professional Development - Training Division in Pittsford, Vermont at a time that is suitable for them. The Vermont State Police will attempt to work with the applicant to keep the trips to Vermont to a minimum. For more details contact us by email at recruiting@dps.state.vt.us or by phone at 802.483.2606.

What is the Department's position on diversity?

The Vermont State Police believe that diversity within its workforce provides a department best suited to serve the needs of Vermont citizens. In keeping with that philosophy, minority groups and women are strongly encouraged to apply.

How long is the preliminary training period?

The training period of a Vermont State Trooper lasts for 23 weeks. The first 3 weeks are similar to a military style boot camp and involves only State Police recruits. The next 16 weeks involve attendance and graduation from the police academy. The remaining 4 weeks of "post basic" training is for certifications such as DWI, radar, and first aid/CPR. Instruction in the State Police computer system and remaining equipment issues will also be included. These academies are residential academies - Monday through Friday - you have weekends off.

Graduates of this training then participate in a thirty-six day minimum and fifty-four day maximum Field Training Officer Program under the supervision of a certified FTO.

What is the work schedule?

The work schedule consists of rotating five days on, two days off, then four days on, two days off. There are two shifts: a day shift and an evening shift. There is a window of no coverage whereby Troopers are on call in the event of an emergency.

How long does a Trooper have to serve before he/she is eligible for promotion?

• A member must have served for five years or more as a Trooper, have an Associates Degree in any field of study and pass the written test to be eligible for promotion to the rank of Sergeant. Members may substitute two years of uninterrupted, full time, military service resulting in an honorable discharge for the academic degree requirement.
  
• A member must have served four years as a Sergeant, have a Bachelors Degree in any field of study and pass the written test to be eligible for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant. Members having four (4) years of uninterrupted full-time military service that resulted in an honorable discharge, may substitute this service for the degree requirement.