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Becoming a ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Police Officer

Benefits

Benefits*

  • Starting Salary: $59,302
  • Tuition Remission
  • Retirement Savings 
  • Paid Vacation, Medical, Holiday, Personal, and Cultural Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave 
  • Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision
  • Overtime and Comp Time 
  • Training
  • Annual Equipment Allowance
  • Uniform and Equipment Provided

*Benefits are negotiated through the Teamsters Union. The benefits listed here accurately reflect the 2022-2025 Contract (PDF)

Entrance Requirements

Education

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  • High school graduate/high school equivalency diploma (G.E.D.); and,
  • Associate’s degree and/or one-to-two years specialized experience

Vision

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  • Satisfactory visual field and depth perception

Hearing

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  • Able to hear at high and low decibels

Health

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  • Physically restrain a suspect
  • Run up/down several flights of stairs, and up to 100 yards
  • Stand for long periods of time

Phase 1 - Application

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Phase 2 - Testing

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  • Written test - This requirement is currently suspended. The Vermont Criminal Justice Council expects to replace the previous entrance test with a new exam in the near future; but until that date the Council will not require the administration of a written exam for a candidate’s admission to any Vermont Police Academy training.
  • PT Test - The Vermont Police Academy offers the physical fitness test regularly for candidates to assess their fitness level and prepare for the Level III Orientation Physical Fitness test, which candidates are required to pass to attend the Level III academy. The physical readiness test consists of two events; a timed 1.5-mile run and 500 Meter Row Sprint. The scores from both tests will be averaged for a total physical readiness test score. For more information about the test and to calculate your required time, visit the .
  • MMPI - This test consists of all True/False questions. A psychologist will review the applicant’s answers to see if the applicant is emotionally suited for a position in law enforcement. 

The written test (currently not required), physical fitness test, and MMPI-2 psychological exam are all given on the same day. Candidates should arrive at the Vermont Police Academy in Pittsford, VT at 8:30AM with a valid photo ID and dressed in PT gear.  PT will start at 9:00AM. For candidates who will be continuing with the MMPI, the test will begin immediately following the PT test. If you are a candidate only registered for the MMPI please arrive by 9:30 to check-in.

Phase 3 - Interview

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Among other things, the oral interview is intended to evaluate the applicant’s judgment, motivation, communication skills, attitude, and potential for prejudice. The application and Personal History information will be reviewed at the oral interview.

Phase 4 - Background and Polygraph

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  • Fingerprinting
  • Background Investigation - An investigator specially trained in this type of investigation will conduct the candidates background, which will include verifying information on the application and calling at least three of the personal references listed.
  • Polygraph - Given to police candidates, questions for the exam are based on the applicant’s Personal History. Polygraph examinations will be administered and evaluated by personnel trained in this examination.

Phase 5 - Chief's Interview

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After this interview with the Chief of Police, the decision will be made whether or not to extend an offer of employment.

Phase 6 - Medical Screening

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This examination is designed to reveal any medical condition that may inhibit work performance or contribute to work related disabilities. A qualified physician contracted for such service by the University will conduct the medical examination. This exam will be at no cost to the candidate.

Phase 7 - Hiring

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Once all examinations are completed, the Chief/Director will seek Administrative approval to offer probationary status to the selected candidate.

Post-Hire

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Police Academy: You are required to attend and successfully complete the 17 week mandatory Academy Training. The program requires you live and train at the Vermont Police Academy, located in Pittsford, VT Monday through Friday. If you have no previous training, you will be required to attend approximately 3 weeks of post-basic classes. In addition, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Police services may require a pre- and/or post-basic training program.

Candidates are employed by the University during the Academy. They receive their salary, earn overtime, and are eligible for all benefits afforded ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Police staff.

Field Training Program: The department has a 12-week extensive field-training program, which all new police employees must successfully complete.

Certifications

Out-of-State Experience/Police Certification
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Out-of-State Experience/Police Certification

  • The Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council will recognize the full-time certification of another state in many cases. There is a waiver process - University of Vermont Police Services will submit a request to have your credentials reviewed.
  • At a minimum, the prescription will consist of 168 hours of training spanning three phases.
    • Phase 1 is a one-week certification course specifically designed for waiver officers.
    • Phase 2 includes any Legislative and/or Council mandated training classes.
    • Phase 3 requires that the officer complete at least a 60-hour FTO process at University of Vermont Police Services.
  • Depending on your training and experience the Council may require additional training courses be taken either through an approved in-service course or with the next Level 3 Basic Training class.
  • The new officer will be required to complete an entry PT test.
With Vermont Experience/Police Academy Certification
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  • University of Vermont Police will have your credentials reviewed by the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council.
  • Depending on your training and experience, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Police Services may require additional training courses be taken, either through an approved in-service course or with the next Level 3 basic training class.
  • The new officer will be required to complete a post offer pre-employment screening.
  • The new officer will be required to complete an FTO period with ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Police.

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