Maine State Police - Training and Qualification Programs

Training and Qualification Programs

Maine State Troopers go through an intense and rigorous 18-week Basic Law Enforcement training period at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro, Maine. The entrance standards to the Academy are some of the toughest in the United States. Training includes many hours of learning in courses such as firearms, Constitutional law, patrol procedures, criminal behavior, high-speed pursuit and various other criminal justice and social science courses. The training program at the MCJA is nearly as rigorous as the actual job itself, giving new recruits a good idea of the intensity of the demanding profession for which they are preparing. After graduation from the MCJA, Trooper recruits are required to attend another 9 weeks of training in the Recruit Training Troop (RTT). The RTT is even more rigorous than the 18 week Basic Law Enforcement academy.

As Troopers progress in their careers, they are able to join other specialized units, such as the Tactical Team or K9 Unit. These added units require many extra hours of training. Many State Troopers are involved in two to three extra units, depending upon where they are located.