Roles in Law Enforcement in CT
An array of law enforcement job opportunities exist in Connecticut. Here are some of the paths one could take: Police officers – Currently there are 77 state police officers and over 100 city or town police departments in the state. Troopers – The Connecticut State Police are known as "state troopers." There are currently 1,246 sworn state troopers. Officers in large metropolitan areas are promoted to sergeant, while officers in smaller towns can attain the rank of lieutenant or captain. Specialized Units – The Connecticut State Police has several specialized units. The Traffic Services Unit coordinates statewide activities related to traffic safety and investigates downed aircrafts while assisting area detectives. The Special Licensing and Firearms Unit processes applications for pistol permits and gun permits. The Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit investigates fire and explosions . The Special Investigations Unit investigates issues concerning organized crime, vice and narcotics. The Cyber Crime Unit investigates computer crimes. The Underwater Search and Rescue Unit investigates all drownings and assists other law enforcement agencies. The Canine Unit deploys dogs trained for tracking, building searches and bomb detection. The Accident Reconstruction Unit supports local law enforcement with crash scene investigations. The Emergency Services Unit handles critical incidents involving armed or violent people. The Emergency Services Unit also includes the Special Tactical Unit and dive and underwater teams. In addition to these roles, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) has more than 1,500 civilian employees who manage and operate law enforcement services in the state.
Minimum Requirements and Training
Candidates must be at least 21 years of age or will have attained their 21st birthday prior to completion of Hiring Process. Must be a U.S. citizen, and a resident of any state within the United States, and have a valid driver’s license or must be able to obtain a drivers’ license in the State of Connecticut prior to appointment. Must have a high school diploma and a minimum of sixty (60) credits from an accredited college or university or have received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or possess military experience. Must be free of any criminal convictions and/or restraints that would prevent you from being licensed to carry a firearm in the State of Connecticut. Must be able to attest to having a thorough understanding of the law and legal processes related to arrests and search and seizure. Must possess a current working knowledge of the courts, the law, including but not limited to Federal and State Constitutional law, applicable State and Federal statutory law, federal, state and local rules of evidence, rules of criminal procedure, and the rules of professional conduct that govern law enforcement officers and prosecutors. If you are selected for employment offer you will be required to complete a Connecticut Police Academy background investigation packet. This background investigation will include a psychological and medical evaluation, to determine your mental and physical stability. After successful completion of your background investigation, you will be required to pass a written test. If you are selected for employment with the Connecticut State Police you will be required to submit an application and successfully complete and equal opportunity training. In addition, you will be required to apply for a State of Connecticut second change opportunities (SCCO) training authorization through the Connecticut Police Academy. You must successfully complete both the basic certification as well as the investigative strategies course to be able to fulfill most police officer functions as defined by the Connecticut General Statutes and State Police Department Policies and Procedures.
Applying for Law Enforcement Positions
The application process to become a law enforcement officer in Connecticut varies to some degree by agency, but the basic steps of the process involve an initial application, a series of exams, interviews, medical examinations, psychological evaluations and background checks.
The application is made to the agency that you want to work for. That said, there are "general" examinations offered by the Connecticut Police Academy for state and local agencies in Connecticut. Additional testing may be required upon hiring that varies by agency.
Once you are accepted for examination, there are usually a series of tests, including written and oral. Sometime after passing the exam and interview, an applicant will be required to undergo a polygraph test to verify provided information and detect possible deception. If a personality evaluation is not completed as part of the hiring process, a psychological evaluation occurs at this time.
If all has gone well up to this point, a health physical and drug screening are required. Once hired, a rookie officer must successfully complete the state training academy for police. The academy generally teaches physical fitness, academic courses, and proper techniques in accomplishing critical tasks required of a law enforcement professional. Some departments may allow prospective hires to attend academy classes as a recruit while completing field training.
CT Law Enforcement Salaries and Benefits
Salaries for most police officer positions in Connecticut range from the mid $50,000s to the low $70,000s according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of course, this salary range can fluctuate based on the exact department, the officer’s level of experience, and other factors. In addition to base salaries, Police Departments and the State Police in Connecticut offer a wide variety of benefits and perks for employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and additional incentives:
- Health insurance benefits for the employee, spouse, and children
- Life insurance
- A pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System. The plan is also open to former employees who are not yet 100% vested but who are eligible to retire.
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Uniform allowances
- Paid vacations & the ability to sell back accrued vacation time
- Sick time
- Accrued comp time
- Overtime pay
- Holidays
- Promotions, longevity pay, and raises according to seniority
- Ability to increase wages through job overtime or secondary employment
- Competitive, satisfying work environment
Advancement and Furthering Education and Training
Promotion opportunities within CT law enforcement continue to be available to those currently serving in law enforcement in Connecticut, to include but not limited to higher tiered agencies/units (troopers assigned to specialized units like K9, DEA Task Force, etc.) and those in command staff positions (lieutenants, captains, majors) or those seeking a position as Chief of Police. The same is true for those who serve in probation and correction facilities within the State. Police and Correction agencies continue to issue recruit selections at various levels, which invites current law enforcement personnel as well as those new to law enforcement to apply and attend a variety of training programs. These programs continue to include traditional in-person classroom and hands-on training as well as computer based training programs that include web based training , computer based training, online training, etc. and the awards of college credits for programs completed. Command staff positions also continue a long standing tradition of providing a two week course of proven Leadership, Ethics, Interpersonal Relationships, Supervision, Management, Commands and Executive Command College. Such institutions invite those in top staff positions to attend training programs that provide a basic understanding of managing emerging issues in law enforcement today and in anticipation of tomorrow. Completion of such programs do enhance the resumes of those who apply for top command positions and those who seek such roles in the future.
Pros and Cons of Working in Law Enforcement
For anyone considering a career in CT law enforcement, there is a wide range of considerations to weigh. While public service certainly comes with more rewards than challenges, it also isn’t always easy. Whether you are seeking a law enforcement career as a state trooper, municipal police officer, campus police, or another law enforcement position in Connecticut, there is a common thread to the challenges all of these men and women will face on the job. Some of the most notable challenges faced by CT law enforcement personnel will include:
Law enforcement personnel and other public safety officials face unique challenges in balancing work life and home life. Those who are in law enforcement, fire, or other public safety employment may be called to serve any time or day. It is not always possible to anticipate when you may have to run out of your home in the middle of the night, or when you might be required to work long hours, as the needs of the department shift or unexpected events occur. This is particularly true if you are a police officer or a firefighter for the municipal agency. A state trooper, for example, may arrive home after a long shift, but know they must return to duty that evening, or perhaps even the next morning. On the other hand, a municipal police officer may be expected to report in early the next morning if a fellow officer is too ill to report. Both of these assigned duties can make it difficult to keep prior arrangements — in fact, making any plans could become a hindrance to work.
At times, law enforcement and public safety professionals are required to confront dangerous and traumatic events. Officers respond to some of the most horrific incidents, from deadly automobile accidents to suicides, homicides, and other tragic events. The nature of law enforcement commands that officers be stoic, and steel themselves against emotion while on the job, but the truth is that processing these events can take an emotional toll, which may not be apparent until well after the incident. While public safety personnel are able to assist victims and families in coping with life-altering events, they are often not given a similar opportunity to cope themselves. Every emotionally traumatic event faced by public safety professionals has an impact, and many must carry these burdens with them day after day.
While there are unique challenges that face CT law enforcement and public safety personnel, there are many rewards to keeping our communities and public safe and secure. It is those challenges that make the personal service of these individuals so much more meaningful. A law enforcement career in Connecticut is about more than money, benefits, and a pension; it’s about serving the public in the most essential way. It’s about protecting what is good, right, and safe about your community, and ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy those same opportunities. In that sense, a career in CT law enforcement is truly rewarding.
Getting Your Foot in the Door
Getting a job in law enforcement is a competitive process, and it helps to be part of the right conversation.
While it may seem like law enforcement officers get hired directly, there are other more effective ways to get hired.
Think of whom you know. These contacts help you move through the hiring process. Ask them if they know of any openings, as many applicants find out about positions directly through word of mouth.
It’s also critical to make sure you get hired by first taking study courses to pass the Civil Service test. This is critical to getting into the law enforcement game in Connecticut.
Candidates for law enforcement positions in Connecticut generally must have received a high school diploma or earned a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
Police officers in Connecticut must apply to take the civil service exam given by the municipal civil service commission. The civil service exam tests knowledge, if any, on the laws of the state of Connecticut, reasoning skills and memory.
Successful candidates who receive the highest scores on the civil service examination are put on the eligibility list to be called for a test. If they pass that test , they would go on to another list to be tested for their physical fitness.
Law enforcement agencies generally then conduct a background investigation followed by a thorough oral interview.
Most police departments generally follow a strict examination system. The federal government has a three-step exam system for applicants, beginning with a computer-based test followed by oral exams and a physical fitness assessment.
State agencies also require candidates to go through technical examinations. In some situations, some agencies will interview applicants who have not passed the examination if one of their contacts provides a recommendation.
However, a candidate’s family member can not provide this recommendation.
An agency also will interview individuals about their character to identify any red flags such as if they use drugs or have significant debts. Such a red flag can cause your disqualification.
The Human Resources agency hires law enforcement personnel under the guidance of the State Police. Towns and councils offset the cost of the Human Resources hiring process.
Positions with law enforcement agencies require many examinations which can be time consuming. However, they can lead to a career that can be meaningful and rewarding.