Frequently Asked

Questions

Please ask about our expedited processes for both 

In State or Out of State Applicants

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the process take?

Once an application is submitted the hiring process takes approximately four (4) to five (5) months.


What does the process involve?

Alert test (passing score)

Cooper Physical Fitness Test (at or above the 40th percentile for entry into the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program (BLETP) and at or above the 50th percentile for entry into the Maine State Police Advanced Troopers School.

Oral Board

Polygraph exam

Screening

Pre-employment background investigation

Screening

Command Staff interview

Psychological exam

Screening

Medical exam


How long is the academy?

Basic Law Enforcement Training Program (BLETP) - 18 weeks.

Maine State Police Advanced Troopers School – 6 weeks.


What is the schedule?

Basic Law Enforcement Training Program (BLETP)- 18 weeks Monday thru Friday (residential).

Advanced Troopers School – Monday thru Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. (exception during firearms and EVOC range days. 8 am – 9 pm) NON-RESIDENTIAL unless lodging is requested on an individual basis.


What is the alert test?

160 questions, multiple choice reading, writing, comprehension exam that takes about 2 hours to complete.


I took the ALERT test 5 years ago, is this still valid?

Yes, once a passing score is received on the Alert test, the results never expire.


What do I have to do to submit an application?

Successfully pass both the Alert test and the PFT

Visit the Maine State Police recruitment me website at https://sites.google.com/view/msp-recruiting/home


I’m a senior in High School, what should I study in college in order to become a Maine State Trooper?

A degree in criminal justice or a related field is not required for employment. Although a criminal justice degree establishes a good academic foundation, the Maine State Police prides itself in having a diverse workforce. A college degree or military experience is encouraged.


I am coming up on my end of service date for the military, what is the best way to start my process with the Maine State Police?

Schedule a date and time with the Maine State Police Training Unit to take your alert test, physical fitness test and oral board interview roughly 6 months before your separation from military service.


I currently live in Mass and plan on moving to Maine, if I apply to the Maine State Police can I live wherever I want to?

Each applicant will submit a memo of their top three (3) field troops they would like to be assigned to. Upon assignment from the Command Staff the new hires residential approval is the responsibility of the Troop Commander. The Maine State Police recognizes residency location is important to our new hires and we do our best to meet the needs of both the agency and new hire.


I have tattoos, does this prevent me from becoming a Maine State Trooper?

No it does not. The Maine State Police has a tattoo policy which specifically outlines the requirements for visible tattoos while wearing the uniform of a Maine State Trooper.


I am color blind, will this prevent me from becoming a Maine State Trooper?

No, there is no specific vision requirement to be a Maine State Trooper.


Do I have to stay there for 18 weeks?

Yes, during the 18-week Basic Law Enforcement Training Program (BLETP) overnight stay is required Monday through Friday for all trainees.


What’s the training like, is it military style, will I get yelled at?

Basic Law Enforcement Training Program: this training program consists of stress resilience training where stress training is implemented in the beginning of the program. The program follows the adult learning theory and transitions into low stress with high academic performance by the end of the program.


Maine State Police Advanced Troopers School: this training program focuses on an advanced training curriculum preparing recruits for the duties and responsibilities of a Maine State Trooper. It is highly academic with scenario-based training evolutions to test what is learned in the classroom and measure the performance of each recruit.


Where do I find the standards for what I have to do in the Physical Fitness Test?

You can visit the Maine Criminal Justice Academy website at https://www.maine.gov/dps/mcja/docs/fitness%20testing%20protocol.pdf

  

I took the PFT 2 years ago, do I have to take another one?

Yes, physical fitness test are valid for one year from the date the test was taken.


I just took a polygraph last month for another process, will I need to take another one with MSP?

Yes, the Maine State Police has its own polygraphers and each applicant is required to have a polygraph with the Maine State Polygraph Unit.


What advantages does MSP offer?

You can visit our recruit me website at https://sites.google.com/view/msp-recruiting/home to see what the Maine State Police can offer you. Specialty teams, promotions, pay, stipends, benefits, training and more!


New advanced troopers’ school (non-residential)

Maine State Police Advanced Troopers School: this training program focuses on a 6-week advanced training curriculum preparing recruits for the duties and responsibilities of a Maine State Trooper. It is highly academic with scenario-based training evolutions to test what is learned in the classroom and the measured performance of each recruit.


How much overtime is available?

There are overtime opportunities available throughout the state. The number of overtime details available is dependent on what services are required geographically by the agency.


What is your pay scale?

You can view the pay scale for Maine State Troopers at https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgibin/bhrsalary/schedules.pl?Spec_No=96&Spec_Title=State


Take home cruiser, issued uniform apparel and gear.

Each candidate is issued a take home state vehicle that is not a cruiser. Upon graduation of the academy, each sworn member of the Maine State Police is then issued a take home cruiser. All required uniform apparel and equipment is provided by the agency.


What is the schedule for patrol Troopers?

Schedules are dictated by the needs of the Field Troop.  For instance Trooper G which patrols the Maine Turnpike has a 12 hour schedule and no on call hours.  Troopers work night or day shift and have every other Friday-Sunday off.  The Southern Field Troop, rural patrol in York, Cumberland, Oxford and Androscoggin Counties works an evening or day shift that is a 10 hour, 4 on 3 off schedule with some on call hours.


What patrol areas are open for new Troopers?

There are currently numerous vacancies throughout the state of Maine. Current troop openings are in Southern Field Troop, Central Field Troop, Northern Field Troop, Troop F, and for blue pin transfers additional openings in Troop G and Troop I.


When will I know where I will be?

Upon successful completion of the Command Staff Interviews those that do not need to attend the BLETP because of prior full time law enforcement experience will be told what their assigned Troop will be.  Those that need to attend the BLETP will be notified of their assignment during the 18 weeks of training.


How long do I have to work patrol before applying to become a detective?

The Maine State Police in agreement with the Maine State Troopers Association require three (1) year of service as a Maine State Trooper to be eligible to apply for a detectives position in Major Crimes.


I currently work for another PD and specialize in drug interdiction. Is this something that is available to work as a Maine State Trooper?

The Maine State Police values proactive criminal enforcement, Troop I and Troop G are both responsible for patrolling Maine’s highways and offer opportunities for criminal interdiction.


I have certifications like DRE, K9, Tactical Team, and ERT.  Will these certifications carry over with me if I apply to become a Maine State Trooper?

Questions regarding the transfer of specific certifications will be answered on an individual basis.


I am currently a K9 officer, can I bring my K9 with me to become a Trooper?

Questions regarding the transfer of K9 partners will be answered on an individual basis.


I have heard of Troopers getting called out from their home. Does that happen and what is the process?

Each member of the Maine State Police is responsible for a 12-hour core patrol schedule. If a trooper is required to respond to a call for service within their 12-hour core and is called out, that trooper will receive financial compensation for a minimum of three (3) hours of overtime at time and a half of the trooper’s regular pay.  Troopers are also compensated %16 of their hourly rate while on call.


What is your promotional process like?

 Each promotional process consists of the following….

Detective: one (1) years of service as a Maine State Trooper

Specialist: three (3) years of service as a Maine State Trooper

Corporal: five (5) years of service as a Maine State Trooper

Sergeant: eight (7) years of service as a Maine State Trooper

Lieutenant: 2 years of service as a Maine State Police Sergeant

Major, Lt. Colonel and Colonel: by appointment


I’m interested in forensic science and working in a Crime Lab.  Does the Maine State Police have a position for this?

The Maine State Police has one (1) Lieutenant and one (1) Sergeant assigned to the Crime Lab. The Crime lab is largely staffed with civilian forensic personnel.


Specialty Team opportunities

You can visit our recruitment website to explore all the specialty teams the Maine State Police has to offer.  

https://sites.google.com/view/msp-recruiting/home


Troop K (CVEU)

Troop K is the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit within the Maine State Police. It consists of a southern, central and northern section. Troopers are allowed to submit their transfer request into the unit for consideration when transfers are open.


Executive Protection Unit

The Maine State Police is responsible for protection services over Maine’s Governor, first family and visiting dignitaries within the state. The Executive Protection Unit is comprised of Detectives, and any member with three (3) years of service in the Maine State Police can apply when a promotional opportunity becomes available.


Instructor opportunities

The Maine Criminal Justice Academy requires any potential instructor to attend a 2-week Methods of Instruction Course (M.O.I) to become certified as an MCJA Instructor. The Maine State Police Training Unit reviews applications for attending this training. Selection is based on years of service, work performance and resources.


Benefits to include but not limited to medical, yearly stipends, retirement, deferred compensation, vacation, sick time and pay scale (Steps 1-8 for new and or blue pin hires)

Pay scale- https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgibin/bhrsalary/schedules.pl?Spec_No=96&Spec_Title=State

Vacation Time

Sick Time

Yearly Stipends

Medical

Deferred Compensation


What is the retirement plan?

Maine State Retirement System requires 25 years of service. Members of the Maine State Police are vested employees after 10 years of service and received longevity pay after 15 years of service. Any member who works more than 25-years will receive two (2) percent for each year of service in addition to their retirement benefits.

Members of the United State Military do have an option to buy their military time back. Cost is determined by MainePERS.

Current law enforcement officers may have an option to purchase their prior years of service through MainePERS.  This is done on an individual basis and the applicant must contact MainePERS to determine the options available and the cost.


What about other employee Health and Benefit information?

https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/


Is there a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Maine and the Maine State Troopers Association?

https://www.maine.gov/oer/contracts/statetrooper/MSTA%202021-2023%20(updated).pdf


For more information, please call or text the Maine State Police Training Unit at 207-830-0665

or email us at: 

recruiter.msp@maine.gov