Certified Officers
Become a Maine State Trooper.
At the Maine State Police, we recognize and celebrate the diverse backgrounds and experiences that shape our team of dedicated troopers. Our ranks are composed of individuals from various professional backgrounds, including those with prior experience in other law enforcement agencies. We understand the value of this collective expertise and the unique perspectives it brings to our organization.
If you are a currently certified officer with a passion for upholding the highest standards of law enforcement and are contemplating advancing your career with the Maine State Police, you have come to the right place. We encourage you to apply join our esteemed ranks and begin a fulfilling and impactful journey as a trooper with the Maine State Police.
Take the Next Step
The Maine State Police is once again seeking certified law enforcement officers to join our team for our the Lateral Advanced Training Program, a 6-week non-residential certified officer training academy. We are now taking applications for our spring, summer and fall Lateral Advanced Training Programs.
Along with your application, you will need to pass the Physical Fitness Test. These are typically held at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, and will test basic physical ability in timed challenges. To schedule a Fitness Test, please call or text (207) 830-0665.
The next Lateral Advanced Training Programs are open to all in-state and out-of-state certified officers. The anticipated dates are:
- Spring 2026
- Summer 2025
- Fall 2025
Eligibility Requirements for Certified Officers
1. Have successfully completed the Maine Criminal Justice Academy Basic Law Enforcement Training Program or a comparative full-time law enforcement academy for out-of-state certified law enforcement. Out of State candidates will need to complete a waiver through the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. More details about acquiring a waiver from the MCJA can be found here. Out of State certifications must meet or exceed the Maine Criminal Justice Academy (MCJA) graduation requirements.
2. Must successfully complete and pass the Cooper Physical Fitness standards at the 50th percentile based on age and gender.
Transferring Your Law Enforcement Pension
If you are a current Maine law enforcement officer and a member of Maine PERS and you are interested in transferring your current retirement pension to use as a Maine State Trooper, please contact Maine PERS at the following website: https://www.mainepers.org/
Officers from outside the State of Maine can also contact MainePERS if they are interested in transferring their current retirement pension to use as a Maine State Trooper.
Lateral Advanced Training Program
Our Lateral Advanced Training Program is designed for officers who have already graduated from a certified police academy and have been working as a police officer in their respective departments. This program is a streamlined process which takes into account your experience as a law enforcement officer in your community and respects your hard-earned experience as you look to transition into our agency.
As a non-residential academy, you will go home each night at a previously designated time. You will be expected to return in the morning ready for more training. Lunch will be provided each day. Recruits will be provided a take-home cruiser.
This program is intended to be strict but respectful. You will be required to keep your clothes ironed and shoes polished. You will be required to follow directions and be punctual. This program will be more like what an officer has attended as in-service training with some additional physical and scenario challenges such as defensive tactics and physical obstacle courses. This will not be a high stress environment, except for those scenarios designed to require a trooper to perform under stress.
This program is not intended to lower our standards but to hasten the process of identifying those officers who are currently meeting our core values and acknowledges your current experience by using that experience as a foundation to build upon and to instill in you the pride, the habits, the integrity and the standard of excellence we see amongst our ranks.
If you have any questions about the hiring or recruitment process, please contact the Maine State Police Training Unit at 207-830-0665 or email us at: recruiter.msp@maine.gov.
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis. If you miss the deadline for the upcoming training class, you can still be hired and assigned meaningful work until the next training class. Please do not let these dates deter you from applying now.