Maine State Troopers protect the lives, rights and property of Maine residents. Troopers perform a wide variety of law enforcement functions including traffic enforcement, forensics, tactical operations, criminal investigation and canine operations. Maine State Trooper jobs are offered through the Maine Department of Public Safety.
To learn how to become a Maine State Trooper, please complete the following instructions.
- Evaluate your qualifications
- Take and pass the ALERT test
- Take and pass the physical fitness test
- Submit an application to the Security Employment Service Center
- Pass the Oral Board Examination
- Pass the background investigation and polygraph test
- Interview with the Chief of Maine State Police
- Pass the medical and psychological evaluation
- Complete Maine State Trooper Training
Step 1. Evaluate Your Qualifications
Obtaining a Maine State Trooper job is difficult not only for the high physical and mental standards expected of new troopers but also because competition for these jobs is extremely intense. The minimum qualifications for joining the Maine State Police are
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Successfully passed the ALERT examination offered by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy
- Successfully passed the pre-employment physical fitness test offered by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy
- Possess a valid Maine driver’s license or be able to obtain one
If you have the following conditions you may be disqualified from obtaining a Maine State Trooper job.
- Conviction of a crime with a maximum sentence of one year or more
- Conviction of a Class D crime, which carries a penalty of one year imprisonment or less
- Conviction of Theft, Falsification of Official Matter, Bribery or Corrupt Practices, or Drugs
- Conviction of domestic violence
- Conviction of DUI within the past ten years
- Currently abusing drugs or alcohol
- Providing false information to the Maine State Police
Step 2. Successfully Complete the ALERT Test
The Maine Criminal Justice Academy offers the ALERT test and may be scheduled for the 1st or 3rd Wednesday of each month. The fee for this test is $50 and must be taken at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. This is a basic skills test that evaluates reading comprehension and writing skills.
Step 3. Successfully Complete the Physical Fitness Test
The Maine Criminal Justice Academy offers the Physical Fitness Test for $35 and can be scheduled for the 1st Wednesday of each month. This test consists of a timed 1.5 mile run, one minute of sit ups and one minute of push-ups. In order to apply you must perform at the 40th percentile level for your age and gender.
Step 4. Submit Your Application
Applications can be obtained from the Security Employment Service Center or the State Bureau of Human Resources. Applications should be sent to the Security Employment Service Center.
Step 5. Pass the Oral Board Examination
If your application merits further consideration, you will be scheduled to interview with the Oral Board. This examination will assess your abilities in the following areas:
- Judgment and logic
- Commitment and independence
- Decision making
- Tact and diplomacy
- Communication
Step 6. Pass the Background Investigation and Polygraph Test
A thorough investigation into your history will be conducted along with a polygraph test which will be used to verify the accuracy of all information previously provided. The Screening Committee will then evaluate all of your selection results to decide if you merit an offer of employment.
Step 7. Interview with the Chief of the Maine State Police
If you have been conditionally approved, you will be required to meet with the Chief of the Maine State Police. The Colonel possesses the authority to approve or terminate your continuation through the selection process.
Step 8. Pass the Medical and Psychological Evaluation
A licensed physician will assess your hearing, vision and other physiological abilities to ensure that you will be capable of performing your professional duties. A psychologist will also assess your ability to handle the rigors of a Maine State Trooper job.
Step 9. Complete Maine State Trooper Training
If you are selected to join the Maine State Police, you will be required to complete the 18 week Basic Law Enforcement program at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. Courses include
- Criminal behavior
- Constitutional law
- High speed pursuit
Following the completion of the MCJA program, you will attend a 9 week Recruit Training Troop program. Following your graduation from Maine State Trooper Training, you will be assigned to your new job posting.