Becoming a Police Officer in Barre, Vermont
The granite capitol of the world has a police force whose commitment to the community is rock solid. Barre police jobs are available to top-qualifying candidates that meet the department’s requirements. If you are thinking about joining their distinguished ranks and the qualities of trustworthiness, reliability, and a strong moral code form the bedrock of your character, use this guide to learn how to become a police officer in Barre by completing the following steps:
- Minimum requirements
- Pre-interview tests
- Interview
- Background and character check
- Physical examination
- Departmental review
- Training academy
Step 1. Minimum Requirements
Your first step will be to confirm you are capable of meeting basic police officer requirements in Barre:
- U.S. citizen
- High school diploma or GED
- Driver’s license
- Be in good physical shape
- Have no sexual crime, felony, or domestic violence convictions
- Preference given for college education and previous military or law enforcement experience
If you meet these criteria then you must wait until there is a vacancy with the Barre police department and then fill out an application completely and legibly.
Step 2. Pre-Interview Tests
If your application is favorably reviewed you will be notified about the required pre-testing you will need to complete with the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council (VCJTC). Upon completion of these tests you will return to the Barre police department to continue with the application process.
You must pass three VCJTC tests:
- Written exam: This test evaluates your basic abilities of math, reading, writing, and problem solving. There are 100 multiple choice questions.
- Physical fitness test: This is an evaluation of the basic abilities of:
- Push-ups
- Sit-ups
- 1.5-mile run
- Max bench press
You will need to complete these events according to standards determined by your age and gender.
- Personality test: You will finally be required to take the MMPI-2, a variation on the original Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory which is a common personality test administered to those in law enforcement positions. You will be evaluated for mental health conducive to the psychological demands required from you as a police officer.
Step 3. Interview
The interview is the next step in becoming a police officer in Barre. Police officials will want to know about your background and reasons for wanting to become a police officer in Barre. They will explain how the police department operates you will also be able to ask any questions you have.
Step 4. Background and Character Check
After a successful interview the Barre police department will assign you a background investigator who will in the least confirm that you meet the basic job requirements. This will mean a check of your:
- Education history
- Employment history
- Criminal records
- Driving abstract and history
Your background investigator will also need to confirm that you have a good moral character, and hence conduct interviews with any of the following people:
- Bank officials where you have accounts
- Friends and family members
- Coworkers and classmates
- Employers and teachers
- Past and present neighbors
Step 5. Physical Examination
This comprehensive physical exam is to be completed by a licensed physician or physician’s assistant. You will be examined for any disability or disease that would interfere with your job duties or completion of your training academy. This will include:
- Vision test for sight, color, and depth
- Hearing test
- Drug test
Step 6. Departmental Review
The Barre police department will review your tests, evaluations, and background investigation results to confirm everything is in order. If all looks good then your final step will be to complete your basic training academy. This is offered twice a year, so depending on the scheduling you may work a short while as a Barre officer in training until the academy begins.
Step 7. Training Academy
Your final step will be the completion of the full-time basic training program, sponsored by the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council. This is a 16-week academy where you will live five days a week, receiving instruction in all basic skills you will need to become a cop in Barre. Depending on your experience you may also stay an additional three weeks for post-basic training. Subject areas covered will be:
- Non-lethal force
- Firearms training
- People with mental illness
- Community policing
- Defensive driving
- Stress management
- Terrorism
- Interrogation techniques
- Criminal law
- Report writing
Post basic training will include:
- DUI enforcement
- First aid and CPR
- Doppler Radar
Becoming a Police Officer in Burlington, Vermont
Since 1865 when the police chief was known as the “first constable,” the Burlington police department has grown to where it is today, comprised of 100 sworn officers who work in positions such as school resource officer, detective, and forensic specialist.
To join the ranks of those officers who uphold the motto “Freedom and unity,” you will need to be one of the top candidates for Burlington police jobs. Following this step-by-step guide will prepare you to become a cop in Burlington:
- Basic requirements
- Application
- Tests
- Panel interview
- Psychological interview
- Polygraph examination
- Background investigation
- Medical examination
- Training academy
Step 1. Meeting Police Officer Requirements in Burlington
When considering whether to join the ranks of the Queen City’s finest, you should first make sure you meet the minimum requirements for becoming a police officer in Burlington:
- At least 21 years old by the time of hire
- Normal hearing and vision, corrected or uncorrected
- No recent illegal drug use
- High school diploma or GED
- College degree, honorable military service, or law enforcement experience desired
- Have or obtain a driver’s license upon hire
- No felony or assault/domestic violence convictions, or a poor driving record
Step 2. Application
Once you have confirmed you meet the minimum requirements to become a cop in Burlington your next step will be to fill out an application, doing so completely and legibly. Include all required documentation with you application, sending this, a letter of interest, resume, and the personal history information packet to the Burlington police recruitment officer. The personal history packet is a questionnaire that will be used to determine if you have any immediate disqualifying factors in your background, and to generate questions for your background history investigation and polygraph test.
Step 3. Tests
Your application will be reviewed to see if it complete, legible, and competitive. If so you will be scheduled for two tests before you have your first interview: a written aptitude exam and a physical fitness test. The written aptitude exam is a test of basic skills such as reading comprehension and writing ability. The physical fitness test requires you to meet the standards set by the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council that includes events in:
- Sit-ups
- Bench press
- Push-ups
- 1.5-mile run
Step 4. Panel Interview
If you testing results and application package place you towards the top of candidate eligibility and there is an opening for Burlington police jobs, you will be invited to the police department for a panel interview. Your previous work experiences and ethics will be examined as well as your motivations for wanting to become a Burlington police officer.
Step 5. Psychological Interview
After a successful panel appearance the Burlington police department will schedule you for an interview with a psychologist. Your ability to handle stressful situations and make quick, objective decisions under pressure will be evaluated, and you will also be screened for any mentally detrimental conditions.
Once the department gets word of a positive interview and all your paperwork is well in order, you will receive a conditional offer of employment, dependent upon your completion of the following steps.
Step 6. Polygraph Examination
Your polygraph examination will include questions from the personal history information packet you submitted with your initial application. Subjects raised during this examination will be your:
- Personal history
- Driving record
- Financial record
- Educational history
- Military service record
- Previous employment history
- Criminal record
Step 7. Background Investigation
Your background investigation will examine elements raised from your personal history information packet, polygraph examination, and panel interview. A background investigator will additionally make a records check to confirm information you have attested. Interviews with people who known or have known and observed you over periods of time will also be conducted.
Step 8. Medical Examination
Your final step before hire will be to successfully pass a medical examination. This is to be conducted by a licensed physician who will give you a complete and thorough medical physical, checking to make sure you do not have any pre-existing conditions or complications that might interfere with your job as a Burlington cop. You will also be evaluated on certain required conditions for employment, including:
- Normal or correctable vision to 20/20 with color and depth perception
- A drug test which you are required to pass
- Hearing test
- Confirmation you are physically capable of performing your job duties
A final command review will be conducted of your application and evaluations up to this point. You will meet with senior Burlington PD hiring officials who may ask you additional questions before you will be eligible to begin the training academy.
Step 9. Training Academy
Your last step to becoming a certified police officer is to complete Vermont’s Criminal Justice Training Council’s full time basic training. The Burlington police department will assist you with registering for this 16-week academy where you will live and train Monday through Friday. You will need to complete a written and physical ability test, both similar to your pre-interview tests from step three. Your daily routine will include training, classroom work, and physical fitness activity. Academy training includes a focus on:
- Communications
- Courtroom
- Conflict resolution
- Report writing
- Law
- Alcohol
- Criminal
- Motor vehicle
- Investigative Techniques
- Crashes/accidents
- Evidence collection
- Interrogation
- Patrol Techniques
- Community policing
- Driving maneuvers
- Firearms and non-lethal force
Becoming a Police Officer in Montpelier, Vermont
The Montpelier police department places an emphasis on community collaboration. They recognize the ultimate responsibility for the peace of a community lies with its citizens, and therefore the most effective way of promoting societal well-being is to be involved at the local level. Montpelier police jobs give officers an opportunity not only to enforce the law, but to work in partnership with community centers, schools, neighborhood task forces, and more.
The following steps describe the process of how to become a sworn and honor-bound police officer in Montpelier:
- Meet the basic requirements
- Apply
- Testing
- Panel interview
- Background investigation
- Health checks
- Final review
- Training academy
Step 1. Meeting Police Officer Requirements in Montpelier
Becoming a police officer in Montpelier means first meeting the minimum requirements for the job:
- At least 21 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- No serious or extensive criminal record
- U.S. citizen
- Driver’s license
- Good moral character
Step 2. Application
Next you should monitor the city of Montpelier’s website and local listings to see when a vacancy becomes available. Make sure you turn in the application on time and that it is completely and legibly filled out. If your application is judged by the human resources department to be complete and accurate you will be scheduled for testing at the state police academy in Pittsburgh.
Step 3. Testing
Your first test will be the written entrance exam. This is administered once a month at a cost of $30.00. The exam is 100 multiple choice questions and will test your basic skills and knowledge in:
- Mathematics
- Judgment
- Reasoning
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Report writing
Next you will take the MMPI-2 personality test. For this you need only answer questions honestly. The MMPI-2 is a common personality test for many law enforcement and government agencies.
Finally you must complete the physical training examination. This is a basic test of your fitness level and abilities that evaluates your performance in five areas:
- Bench-press
- Flexibility
- Push-ups
- Sit-ups
- 1.5-mile run
Step 4. Panel Interview
The panel interview is the part of becoming a police officer in Montpelier where you can show off your communication and interpersonal skills. Your panel will consist of police officials who are curious about why you think you are qualified for the job and if you have anything in your background that would indicate otherwise.
Step 5. Background Investigation
This portion of your application process may take several weeks to complete. A detective from the police department will be assigned to verify your application information as well as construct a character profile of you the applicant. Your background investigator may conduct interviews with any of the following people:
- Coworkers, colleagues, and classmates
- Former teachers and employers
- Friends and family
- Neighbors, past and present
Your background investigation may also include a polygraph examination that will ask you about past instances of illegal activity, immoral behavior, or other subjects of concern to the Montpelier PD.
Step 6. Health Checks
Before being fully cleared to begin the police training academy you will need to have two health checks:
- Medical Examination: A licensed doctor will check your vision and hearing, administer a drug and alcohol test, and perform a thorough physical exam.
- Psychological Evaluation: A psychiatrist will check your ability to handle stress and your overall mental stability.
Step 7. Final Review
At this point the Montpelier PD will review your entire application and evaluations and come to a decision about your eligibility for the job as a Montpelier cop. Your application will also be reviewed by the chief of police who may have some final questions for you. If successful, you will have a station orientation and be given details, the time, and date for the beginning of the Vermont basic training police academy.
Step 8. Police Academy
The Montpelier police department sends all its new recruits to complete the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council’s full-time basic training program. This is a 16-week course offered twice a year for new police officers to learn and develop the skills they will use throughout the rest of their careers. Depending on the timing of when you were hired by the Montpelier PD and your experience up to this point, you may also complete an additional three weeks of post-basic training at the academy. You will be instructed in:
- CPR and first aid
- Firearms training
- Report writing
- Legal procedures
- Interrogation techniques
- Driving maneuvers
- Criminal justice system
- Family law and domestic violence
Becoming a Police Officer in Rutland, Vermont
Rutland police officers are responsible for maintaining the city’s peace and security. Despite its tranquil appearance, Rutland experiences crime just like any other town, as exemplified recently when Rutland police officers and FBI agents arrested a man they accused of essentially acting as a crack-cocaine wholesaler from an apartment on Church street.
Rutland police jobs are available to citizens who want to make a positive difference in their communities through collaboration with other organizations and law enforcement agencies. If you think you’ve got what it takes and would like to learn how to become a cop in Rutland, follow these steps to learn about the department’s police officer requirements:
- Basic requirements
- General testing
- Departmental testing
- Background investigation
- Polygraph examination
- Medical examination
- Psychological evaluation
- Police academy
Step 1. Meeting Police Officer Requirements in Rutland
Before becoming a police officer in Rutland it is required that you meet the minimum job qualifications:
- At least 21 years old by the time of hire
- No felony or domestic violence convictions
- Mostly clean driving record
- No recent illegal drug use
- High school diploma or GED
- Driver’s license
Once you confirm you meet these requirements you can fill out an application, making sure to complete it in full and legibly. You will be notified by writing if your application has made it through an initial screening competitively.
Step 2. General Testing
It is your responsibility to notify the community policing officer of your intent to complete this next phase of the application process. Before an interview with the Rutland PD you will need to complete three tests administered at the Vermont Police Academy. These basic skills tests are:
- Entrance Exam: 100 question multiple choice exam that covers mathematics, reasoning, report writing, reading comprehension, and vocabulary.
- Physical Fitness Test: This will cover four fitness events that you must complete at a certain standard, depending on your gender and age. The following are the most stringent requirements, for a male aged 20-29:
- Bench Press: 99% of body weight once
- Sit-ups: 38 in one minute
- Push-ups: 29 in one minute
- 1.5-mile run: completed in 12.63 minutes or less
- MMPI Psychological Test: The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory is a common personality test used by many law enforcement and government agencies.
Step 3. Rutland Police Department Testing and Interview
If your general test results from the Vermont Police Academy are judged to be towards the top of the candidate list you will be scheduled to complete additional testing at the Rutland police department. These will be reviewed by the Rutland PD’s hiring committee and include role playing, an oral test, and another written exam.
After the hiring committee has favorably reviewed your departmental testing results and you are judged to be in the top percentage of candidates, you will be invited to appear before the chief of police for an employment interview.
If you have a successful interview with the chief of police and are determined to be the top applicant for Rutland police jobs you will be given a conditional offer of employment, dependent upon your passing a background investigation, polygraph and medical examination, and a psychological evaluation.
Step 4. Background Investigation
This process may take several weeks and involves an investigator going through city, state, and federal records to confirm your criminal, driving, employment, education, and financial history. Your background investigator may additionally conduct interviews with anyone related to these subject areas, including:
- Friends
- Neighbors
- Family and relatives
- Employers and teachers
- Classmates and coworkers
Step 5. Polygraph Examination
Your polygraph examination may be related to previous issues raised or discussed during your background investigation, previous tests, or interviews. You will also be questioned about any previous acts of immorality and criminality relating to your professional past and personal life.
Step 6. Medical Examination
Your medical examination will consist of a thorough medical physical, a hearing and vision check, and a drug test. You must pass all three of these to continue with the hiring process.
Step 7. Psychological Evaluation
Your psychological evaluation will be conducted by a licensed psychiatrist of the Rutland police department’s choosing. You will be given an oral interview to assess if you have any psychological behaviors or conditions that could interfere with or enhance your job performance.
Step 8. Police Academy
The final step to becoming a police officer in Rutland is to complete the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council’s full-time basic training academy. You will live at the academy five days a week for four months while you receive instructions and training for all the basic skills you will need to be a qualified Rutland police officer. Depending on your experience you may receive an additional three weeks of post-basic training. You will be trained in:
- Report writing
- Motor vehicle law
- Criminal law
- Crash investigations
- Evidence collection
- Driving maneuvers
- Community policing
- Non-lethal use of force
- Firearms
- Patrol scenarios
Becoming a Police Officer in South Burlington, Vermont
The South Burlington police department seeks to live out its core values of loyalty, integrity, teamwork, professionalism, and respect. That is why it is its stated objective to recruit and nurture the most qualified police officers the department can find.
South Burlington police jobs are obtained in a competitive process that proceeds through a selective application process. If you would like to join the venerable ranks of this department, use the following as a step-by-step guide for how to become a cop in South Burlington, Vermont:
- Minimum requirements
- Application
- Entrance tests
- Oral board interview
- Background investigation
- Interview with the chief
- Medical examination
- Police academy
Step 1. Minimum Requirements
Becoming a police officer in South Burlington will mean working for a progressive agency that has seen a number of firsts in the state of Vermont. The South Burlington PD was the first police department with a DARE program, the first to be recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, and the first to use computer aided dispatching. Meeting police officer requirements in South Burlington is the first step in seeing if you are qualified for this job:
- U.S. citizen
- At least 20 years old
- High school diploma
- No felony, domestic violence, or sexual crimes convictions
- In good physical shape
- Preference given to:
- Associate’s degree or higher
- Two year of Military service with an honorable discharge
- Two years of previous law enforcement experience
Step 2. Application
Once you have confirmed you meet these basic requirements you can fill out an application. Make sure to do this legibly and include all requested documents and signatures. Also include a cover letter and resume, though your resume is not a substitute for filling out your application in its entirety. Complete applications can be dropped off at the South Burlington police department or emailed to the deputy chief.
Step 3. Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council Entrance Tests
All South Burlington police jobs require applicants to complete three pre-interview tests at the Vermont Police Academy. When you receive notification that your application will be considered you must reply that you would like to be scheduled for these three tests, which are:
- Entrance Exam: This is a 100 question multiple choice test on the basics of math, writing abilities, reading comprehension, reasoning, and vocabulary.
- Physical Fitness Test: This is a measure of your basic level of fitness which you must pass at a certain level. The test is calibrated for age and gender. You will partake in four events, and in this case the passing scores are given for a male aged 20-29:
- Sit-ups: 38 in one minute
- Push-ups: 29 in one minute
- 1.5-mile run: 12.63 minutes
- Bench Press: 99% of body weight
- Psychological test: The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) is a personality test given to many law enforcement and government agency employees across the country. You do not need to prepare for this, only answer all questions truthfully.
Step 4. Oral Board Interview
If your application and scores are deemed to be in the top percentage of candidates then you will be invited to the police station for a board interview. You will be required to answer questions put to you by police officials regarding your previous employment and motivations for becoming a police officer in South Burlington.
Step 5. Background Investigation
If you make a good impression on your oral board interviewers your background investigation will commence. This is a thorough process that may take several weeks to complete, and for which you will be required to submit your fingerprints. A background investigator will check to make certain all your basic requirements have been met, and this will include an investigation of your:
- Education history
- Employment history
- Credit report and financial history
- Driving abstract and check of traffic violations
- Criminal records check at the local, state, and federal level
Step 6. Interview with the Chief
Not only should your background investigation make no disqualifying findings, it should also confirm that you are of an upstanding moral character who has a positive ideological motivation to become a cop in South Burlington. The chief of police will review your application and test results with you and may ask additional clarifying questions. If all goes well you will receive notice of a conditional offer of employment, contingent upon your successful completion of a medical exam and training academy.
Step 7. Medical Examination
This will consist of a through medical physical, vision and hearing evaluation, and drug test. If you fail your drug test you will be immediately disqualified, and you must also meet normal hearing and vision standards, including color vision and depth perception.
Step 8. Training Academy
The Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council’s full-time basic training academy is your final step on the way to becoming a fully certified South Burlington police officer. For 16 weeks excluding weekends you will live on-campus where you will learn and practice everything you need to know to successfully become a police officer in South Burlington. Depending on your experience the academy may be extended a few weeks. Your training will include the topics of:
- Courtroom demeanor
- Report writing
- Motor vehicle law
- Alcohol services education
- Collision and crime scene investigation
- Interview techniques
- Hate crimes investigation
- Stress management
- Police ethics
- Physical training
- Firearms and non-lethal self defense