how to become a police officer in Massachusetts

If you want to become a cop in the state of Massachusetts, you must know that it’s not going to be easy. There are several hurdles you’ll need to cross in order to wear the badge. The first thing you can do to make yourself more attractive to potential departments in MA is to enroll yourself in the police training academy.

Here are the requirements needed to become a police officer as well as qualifications needed to enter the police academy in MA:

For appointments into the Boston Police Academy, applicants must take and pass the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Written Police Examination. The civil service exam is given every two years.

In order to become a police officer in Massachusetts, you must pass the background check. In addition,  if you want to work for the Boston Police Department you must be a resident of the city for at least one year prior to taking the civil service exam.

To become a police officer in the Commonwealth of MA, applicants must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen (birth or naturalized)
2. Be at least 21 years of age
3. Possess a High School Diploma or have a G.E.D. Certificate or served at least 3 years in the United States Armed Forces with an honorable discharge or release.
4. Possess a valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator’s license

History of Mass State Police

The Massachusetts State Police was created in 1865, which makes it the oldest statewide law enforcement agency in the nation. The State Police traces its origin to the year 1865 when it consisted of a Constable and thirty-three men. The early agency was rather obscure until 1921, when the uniformed branch was finally organized with a group of fifty men, whose duties were to police the rural communities of the Commonwealth, particularly where there was no protection.

The first training site for the “State Police” as it was known, was the old Framingham Poor Farm. This building was large enough to house the fifty men and their equipment, including the horses that were used in the winter in place of motorcycles.

Trooper John Burns, Class of 1948 On November 1, 1921 the first class graduated and set out to police rural Massachusetts. As time passed the Uniformed Branch increased its compliment. After several years of varied training locations, the State Police Training School settled on the site of the Old Muster Field at Framingham for seventy one years.

In June 1992, the State Police Academy took up residence at the former site of the Pioneer Valley academy in New Braintree. Although the location has changed, the dedication to hard physical training has not changed. The curriculum of the training program has devoted many hundreds of hours to military drills, firearms training, legal education and patrol procedures as well as many other topics that go into the making of a well rounded trooper.

The 178 members of the 70th RTT who graduated in late 1992, represents the first class to graduate into the newly consolidated Department of State Police. They and many more to come will carry on the ideals and traditions of our academy by rendering efficient service to all of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Today, the Massachusetts State Police is comprised of 2,300 highly trained Troopers who provide a wide range of services to the citizens and law enforcement agencies of the Commonwealth.

MSP QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or G.E.D. Ability to obtain a valid Massachusetts Class A firearms license At least 19 years old on the date of the examination Must pass written entrance examination

• Must pass a thorough background investigation prior to employment.
• No person, who has been convicted of a felony or any offense punishable under Chapter 94C of the Massachusetts General Laws (drug law violations), will be considered for employment
• Must pass physical ability test
• Must pass medical examination
• Must pass psychological examination
• Must successfully complete swimming requirements
• Must be a United States citizen upon appointment to the State Police Academy
• Must have a valid Massachusetts driver’s license
• Must be a Massachusetts resident prior to Academy graduation

MSP Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application process for the position of Massachusetts State Trooper?
The first step in the application process is to take and successfully pass the Trooper entrance examination.

When is the next scheduled exam?
Visit MSP recruiting page here for details

What is the passing score for the Trooper exam?
Applicants must attain a score of 70 or higher in order to receive further consideration.

Is there any preference given to individuals?
Yes, with proof of veteran status, individuals are given an additional two points if they pass the exam. Individuals whose parent were killed in the line of duty are given special consideration. There is no preference given based on race or gender.

What materials should I read to prepare for the next exam?
There is no recommended study material to prepare for the exam, other than what is issued by the Department of State Police, or the Massachusetts Human Resources Division. All individuals who apply to take the exam will receive the official Entry Level Trooper Examination Orientation and Preparation Guide. This is the only study material necessary to prepare for our exam

What is the starting salary for State Trooper?
The salary is subject to change please visit MSP for details

What is the educational requirement for a Trooper?
The current education requirement is a high school diploma or a GED.

Is there a minimum age to apply?
Yes, applicants must be at least (21) years of age on the date of the examination.

How long is the academy training process?
The academy training process is approximately six months.

How will I know about the next exam?
The next exam date will be widely publicized via newspapers, radio, television, cable TV, and the internet.

Trooper Benefits

The Commonwealth offers an excellent benefits package, which includes: Life, Health, Dental and Optical insurance, tuition assistance to any state college or university, equipment and uniforms, clothing allowance.

• Bullet – Blue Cone Leave
• paid holidays
• paid personal days
• Family and Medical leave
• Military leave as authorized by law
  2 weeks vacation after one year and up to five weeks (based on length of service)
• Fifteen sick days per year