The Protective Services Trainee hiring process is extensive; the time from application to appointment can take several months. The application to hire process is separated into seven (7) stages:
Alternatively, candidates can obtain a valid CHIP card prior to and in lieu of the Police Physical Ability Test. To register, please follow the instructions on the CHIP Test Schedule.
Instructional Video Links:
- 1.5 Mile Run
- Push-ups
- Sit-ups
- 300 Meter Run
On Orientation Day, applicants must also pass an additional Police Physical Fitness Assessment to secure their seat in the Academy Class.
- Please note: preference will be given to applicants who have successfully attained their CHIP card at the time of interview
3. Interview Panel: Applicants will be interviewed by sworn members of DMHAS Police.
4.Polygraph Examination: Inquiries concerning employment history; driving history; medical history; financial history; gambling history; illegal possession, use, and sale of drugs/narcotics; criminal activity; military history; illegal sexual activity; use of alcohol; general personal data; prior conduct in police/security/corrections fields; subversive, revolutionary, or gang activity; basic honesty and integrity.
5.Psychological Evaluation: Combination of written tests and interviews to assess suitability for employment in law enforcement.
6.Background Investigation: Comprehensive review of employment, education, training, criminal, motor vehicle, and credit history.
7.Medical Evaluation: Comprehensive physical examination, including drug screening.
DMHAS Police Recruit Training Program:
Successful completion of all phases of the selection process means that you are eligible to be considered for final appointment as a Protective Services Trainee. If you are selected into this role, you will enter the physically and mentally demanding training program at a POSTC approved Police Academy. Depending on the academy you are in, this program may last approximately thirty (30) weeks which includes classroom instruction, practical exercises, and physical conditioning. Depending on the academy you attend, trainees may be required to live at the Academy, Monday through Friday.
Trainees who succcessfully complete all academy phases will begin field training and enter their probationary period. Trainees will be assigned to one of the DMHAS locations listed above for job training.
Important Information:
Incumbents in this class will be required by the appointing authority to possess and maintain appropriate licenses, permits and/or certifications including certification by the Police Officer Standards and Training Council.
Please Note:
- Appointment to this class will be for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months. Provisional appointment will be made to the target class when formal training has not been completed after twelve (12) months as a Protective Services Trainee (Police). Appointment will be made to the target class after successful completion and graduation of formal training.
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing [email protected].
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly.
- For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
- This employer may participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Alyssa Hovanec at [email protected]
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