Application Process | Training to become a Trooper | Military-related Questions |
Benefits, Equipment, etc. | General |
Application Process
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Training to become a Trooper
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Military-related Questions
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Benefits, Equipment, etc.
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General
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- Do I need to live in New Hampshire to be a New Hampshire State Trooper?
An applicant does not need to be a resident of New Hampshire during the application process, but shall be required to establish residency within his/her assigned troop and patrol by the end of his/her field training program.
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- Do you have a minimum age or maximum age?
An applicant must be at least 21 years of age on the scheduled date of the physical agility test administration. There is no maximum age.
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- When and how often do I need to travel to New Hampshire during the testing process?
All applicant testing is conducted in Concord, NH. You are required to appear for the physical agility and written test, both of which are conducted on the selected test date. You are then required to report for an oral board interview which is scheduled for the Wednesday and Thursday following the selected test date. Following a conditional offer of employment, potential applicants are then required to appear at the end of the application process for a polygraph examination, personal interview with the Director of State Police, psychological examination, medical examination and drug screening.
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- My vision does not satisfy the NHSP requirement. When am I required to have it adjusted/fixed?
Applicants’ eyesight must be at least 20/40 in each eye uncorrected and 20/20 in each eye corrected, with normal uncorrected color and depth perception, at the time of the physical agility test.
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Is the Division currently accepting applications for Trooper?
Yes, we are currently testing bi-monthly to fill vacancies in the New Hampshire State Police.
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- Do I need a New Hampshire Driver’s license when applying to be a New Hampshire State Trooper?
An applicant does not need to possess a New Hampshire Driver’s license. Upon establishing residency in New Hampshire, he/she must obtain a New Hampshire driver’s license in compliance with New Hampshire statutes governing driver’s licenses and registrations.
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- How long is the process from the initial filing of the application to hire date?
The whole process ranges from applicant to applicant. Minimally, the process takes a few months, and technically the scores are active for two years.
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- When is the next test date, and how can I apply?
EXAMINATION DATES IN 2008: February 2, April 5, June 7, August 2, October 4 & December 6.
Applications should be mailed to the Department of Safety, Human Resources, 33 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305. All applications must be received at least three weeks prior to the test date.
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- I applied for the most recent testing cycle, but cannot attend the exam. Is there an opportunity for me to take a make-up exam?
You can call ahead and transfer your application to a new test date. However, if you do not call ahead, a new application must be filed for a future test date.
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- How can I prepare for the physical agility test?
The physical agility test consists of four categories: single bench press, sit-ups, push-ups, and 1.5-mile run. A recommendation is to practice the events in order with only brief rest periods between the events.
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- Is there a recommended study guide for the written examination?
No. The written examination is a general aptitude test consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have up to three hours to complete the examination which is designed to measure the following:
- ability to write reports and keep records - includes spelling and grammar usage
- ability to read, comprehend, and comply with written directions
- reading comprehension
- ability to make decisions based on data
- basic mathematic skills
- knowledge of general law enforcement related vocabulary, public relations, and employee/employer relations
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- How do I apply as an out-of-state applicant?
The application process is the same for an in-state and out-of-state resident. An application can be downloaded from the New Hampshire State Police Recruitment web page.
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- Can you recommend hotels that are near the testing facility?
The following hotels are in the Concord area and are within a few minutes drive of the testing facility:
Best Western Inn & Suites (603) 228-4300
Comfort Inn (603) 226-4100
Courtyard By Marriott (603) 225-0303
Holiday Inn (603) 224-9534
Red Roof Inn (603) 225-8399
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- How long is the Academy?
The Academy is 12 weeks long. Two weeks of additional training are optional for each recruit, as determined by his/her hiring agency. State Police Troopers attend the full program delivered at the Police Standards and Training facility. Beginning with the January 2009 academy session, the 14-week program will be mandatory for all attendees.
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- How can I prepare for the academy?
You should remain in top physical condition, and also prepare your immediate family members for your absence during the first twelve weeks of the academy.
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- Do recruits live at the academy?
The first 12 weeks are residential. You will report on Monday mornings and be dismissed on Friday afternoons. Beginning with the January 2009 academy session, the entire 14 weeks will be residential.
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- Will I be paid while attending the academy?
Yes. All students of the academy are employed by their respective agencies.
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As a Trooper applicant, can I transfer from another agency and if so would I have to complete the entire state police academy?
If you are currently serving as a certified, academy-trained, full-time police officer in another state, you may be eligible to have some subjects waived in the Academy and only attend approximately 100 hours of commuter “New Hampshire Law Package” training, and pass tests on these modules. You will also be required to pass the Academy’s on-going physical fitness test every 3 years to maintain your New Hampshire certification. The Police Standards and Training Council is reciprocal with all other states in the U.S. and recognizes their training if it is at least equal in scope. Any classes you did not have in your state of origin, you may be required to take in the Academy. If your First Aid/CPR certificate has expired, this training will also be required. If the analysis of your out-of-state training requires you to take the equivalent of 30% of the total Academy hours, you will be required to attend the entire Academy.
The New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council does not recognize Federal or military police training.
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- Do I get to choose which troop I am assigned to?
An offer of employment includes an assignment to a specific troop and patrol area. Assignments are based on the needs of the Division first with consideration given to an employee’s preference.
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- I am currently serving in the military. Do I have to be discharged before I can start the application process?
No, but a statement of service letter should be submitted with your application in lieu of a DD Form 214.
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- If I served in the military, do I receive veteran’s preference points?
Possibly. Points can be added to a passing score on the written exam. War veterans get 5 points and disabled veterans receive 10 points. Proof of eligibility for veteran’s preference must be submitted with the application.
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Can I stay in the military reserves if selected as a Trooper?
Yes, the New Hampshire State Police supports personnel who have military reserves commitments.
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- Can I join the State Police and immediately begin a special unit assignment?
Special unit assignments shall not be considered within the probationary year. Otherwise, special unit assignments are based on several factors to include length of service, work performance, and Division needs, to name a few.
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- What is the starting pay of a Trooper?
The starting salary for the State Police Trooper I position is $42,660.80 ($45,007.04 effective January 2, 2009). In addition, during the first five years of employment, Troopers receive a step increase.
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- When do insurance benefits begin?
On the first of the month, following one full month of employment. For example, if someone begins employment on March 15th, his/her insurance benefits will begin on May 1st.
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- Do I have to buy my uniform and equipment?
Upon appointment, the Division will provide you with uniforms, belts, boots, shoes and all other necessary equipment.
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- Do I have to report to the barracks at the start of my shift?
No. Once released to "solo" status, Troopers are assigned their own cruiser which they are permitted to take home.
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- If I have any questions that I cannot find the answer to on this web site, where can I go to get more information?
Please contact the Recruitment and Training Unit at (603) 271-2728 or via email at recruitment@safety.state.nh.us. |
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