MICHIGAN COMMISSION ON LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARDS
2001 Approved Training Schools

Michigan state law requires county and local municipal law enforcement officers to be certified by the state before they can enforce Michigan laws. Certification is obtained by meeting the minimum enrollment requirements, completing the basic training requirements established by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) , and obtaining employment with a Michigan police agency.

MCOLES Enrollment Requirements

State law requires that a law enforcement officer candidate:

1. Be a citizen of the United States of America.

2. Have attained the minimum age as established by the hiring agency, which shall not be less than 18 years or as otherwise provided by law.

3. Have no prior felony convictions (including expunged convictions).

4. Possess good moral character as determined by a favorable comprehensive background investigation covering school and employment records, home environment, and personal traits and integrity. Consideration will be given to all law violations, including traffic and conservation law convictions, as possibly indicating lack of good moral character.

5. Possess normal hearing, normal color vision, and normal visual functions and acuity in each eye correctable to 20/20. Be free from any of the impediment of the senses, physically sound, in possession of all extremities, and well developed physically, with height and weight in relation to each other as indicated by accepted medical standards.

6. Be free from physical defects, chronic diseases, organic diseases, organic functional conditions, or mental or emotional instabilities which may tend to impair the efficient performance of a law enforcement officer’s duties or which might endanger the lives of others or the law enforcement officer.

7. Possess a valid Michigan vehicle operator’s license.

Pre-Service Candidates

Those who meet the above MCOLES enrollment requirements, have passed the State’s pre-employment tests, and have acquired either a two or four year degree, are eligible to compete for a seat in the Oakland Police Academy as a pre-service (self-sponsored) candidate.

The pre-service candidate is increasingly attractive to most law enforcement agencies for both economic and practical reasons. Since the pre-service graduate is already trained and certifiable, the graduate may be employed immediately without exceptional pre-hire costs to the agency.

 ession - February 25 through June 14, 2002.

Orientation Pre-Service candidate check list:

¨       No Felony convictions

¨       Michigan Driver's License

¨       A minimum of a 2-year degree

¨      Meet the above MCOLES requirements

Tuition $3200

Contact Ms. Gayle Zirwes for registration information  (248) 232-4222

Troopers
Never before has a career as a trooper in the Michigan State Police been more rewarding. The department has an outstanding reputation built on a proud tradition of service through excellence, integrity, and courtesy. Michigan State Police Troopers, Motor Carrier Officers, and State Properties Security Officers continually strive to enhance this reputation of excellence and maintain their role as leaders in the field of law enforcement.

The Michigan State Police Training Academy is located off I-96, Lansing Road Exit 98A, at:
 

MICHIGAN STATE POLICE - TRAINING ACADEMY
7426 North Canal Road
Lansing, Michigan 48913
TX: (517) 322-1200
FAX:(517) 322-6363
E-MAIL: hullb@state.mi.us

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States at the time you take the written test.

·         Age: At least 21 years of age at the time of the written examination.

·         Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.

·         Residency: Must be a Michigan resident prior to graduation from the Academy and produce signed documentation demonstrating the rental, lease, or purchase of a home or other domicile.

·         Conduct: Reputation must be above reproach; no felony convictions; satisfactory driving record.

·         Physical: Adequate physical condition to perform duties of a state trooper, including meeting prescribed vision and hearing standards.

·         License: Must have a valid Michigan driver's license prior to appointment to an academy.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A MICHIGAN STATE TROOPER:

¨          CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION:   Narcotics, Surveillance, Auto Theft, Organized Crime

¨          TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

¨          COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION

¨          SPECIALIZED ASSIGNMENTS:

Canine Handler
Emergency Support Team Member
Recruiter
DARE Officer
Underwater Recovery Team Member
Youth Services Officer
Recruit School Instructor
Aviation
Motorcycle Detail
Lab

ENTER A PROFESSION WITH A FUTURE!

Once you have served a minimum of five years, many opportunities await the qualified trooper:

Sergeant Shift Commander
Accident Reconstructionist
Detective Sergeant
Specialist Sergeant in the Uniform Services Bureau,
Fire Marshal Division

Lieutenant and First Lieutenant
Mid-level managers are Inspector and Captain.
The executive level managers are Major, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel.

Michigan Department State Police
Pre-Employment Process

TROOPER

1. Recruiter Orientation

All candidates are strongly encouraged to contact a local state police recruiter. Recruiters are a source of current hiring information, and can be of great assistance as a candidate progresses through the selection process. Recruiters schedule periodic orientation sessions to provide candidates with an overview of the minimum qualifications and essential job functions of a trooper. In addition, recruiters provide information regarding the Entry Level Law Enforcement Selection Process, Training Academy, and the Field Training Officer Program.

2. Civil Service Entry Level Law Enforcement Examination

The entry-level law enforcement examination is scheduled and administered by the Michigan Department of Civil Service. It is offered on a regular basis. Applicants who pass the examination with an appropriate score will continue to the next step in the selection process. Applications and test dates may be obtained by contacting the Michigan Department of Civil Service at (517) 373-3030.

3. Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards (MCOLES) Physical Strength & Agility Test and Candidate Orientation

All trooper candidates must pass the MCOLES Physical Strength & Agility Test. Invitations to participate in this testing are based on a candidate’s Civil Service Entry Level Law Enforcement Examination results. The cutoff score is based on the volume of applicants in the general pool and Michigan State Police personnel (hiring) needs. The Michigan State Police will accept MCOLES agility test results administered by any MCOLES approved location throughout Michigan. All candidates must pass this test within one year prior to appointment to an academy. Information regarding test sites and dates may be obtained by contacting the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards at (517) 322-1946.

Candidates who pass the agility test will participate in a Candidate Orientation Program following the agility test. Be prepared to ask questions about the pre-employment process during this information session. Instructions on required forms will be discussed at this time. An overview of the selection process and Academy training program will be given.

4. Pre-Screening Interview

A Pre-Screening Interview will be conducted with all applicants who successfully pass the MCOLES agility test. This is not a hiring interview. The purpose of this interview is to determine if an applicant meets the minimum standards necessary to continue in the selection process. It is another tool in the development of the candidate suitability profile. A wide range of subjects is covered. Data gathered from the Pre-Screening Interview and the Personal History Questionnaire will also be thoroughly reviewed with each candidate by a background investigator. The following documents must be submitted to the Recruiting and Selection Unit at least two weeks prior to this interview:

¨    Current resume with cover letter

¨    Copy of Experience and Education Questionnaire (PD-34), Completed and Typed

¨    A copy of a valid driver’s license (must have a valid Michigan driver’s license)

¨    Copy of Birth Certificate

¨    Copy of Social Security Card

¨    Official Transcripts, College, High School Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate

¨  Any/All Civil Judgments

Candidates will be rated on a three-point scale. Candidates with a profile rating of 3 in each dimension may continue on in the selection process. Candidates with a rating of 2 in any dimension must wait two years to reapply. Candidates with a rating of 1 in any dimension will be permanently disqualified. All candidates will be notified of their status by the Recruiting and Selection Unit within 10 business days following the pre-screening interview.

5. Background Interview & Investigation

Candidates can expect a comprehensive background investigation to determine suitability for employment. Candidates’ past experiences, events, and actions will be thoroughly explored. After the Pre-Screening Interview, the Recruiting and Selection Unit will forward the results of the interview along with pertinent documents to the appropriate post/district. Candidates will be assigned to a Trooper or Detective Sergeant for investigation. The investigator will contact you as soon as practical to begin the investigation. The investigator will receive the following documents: Pre-Screening Interview Profile, Education and Experience Questionnaire, Personal History Questionnaire, Credit History Report, Computerized Criminal History, Driving Record, copies of birth certificate, any/all marriage licenses, divorce/annulment decrees, DD-214, social security card, driver’s license, and other relevant information necessary to conduct a thorough investigation.

The background investigation is the most important step in determining a candidate’s suitability for employment. The department allocates a great deal of time and resources to conducting a thorough investigation. Significant emphasis is placed on this investigation and candidates may find past events and actions creating serious difficulties for them as they enter the final pre-employment steps.

6. Background Investigation Review

Once completed, the background will be returned to the Recruiting and Selection Unit. A staff sergeant will review the contents and make a recommendation for further processing or removal from the pre-employment process. Candidates may be scheduled for a hiring interview based upon the personnel needs of the department.

7. Hiring Interview: Targeted Selection*

The Hiring Interview will be based on a Civil Service validated job assessment for enlisted entry-level law enforcement officers (Trooper 10). This interview is designed to assess specific competencies necessary to perform the duties of a Michigan State Trooper. Each applicant will be asked a series of questions in one or more of the following categories:

In the Hiring Interview candidates will be asked to describe their experience(s) in the above areas. Candidates will be required to describe to the interview panel (board) a situation or task, the action taken, and the results of that action. Your success depends on your ability to articulate what you have done to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform as a law enforcement officer, although the experience may have occurred in some other area.

Candidates will be evaluated on a three point scale: 3 = Acceptable, 3D = Deferred, 2 = Less than Acceptable (Must Wait for Two Years to Reapply), 1 = Much Less than Acceptable (Disqualified). Candidates with a profile rating of 3 in each dimension may continue on in the selection process. Candidates who receive a 3D (Deferred) in any dimension may be recalled for a second hiring interview if the list of candidates is exhausted. Candidates with a rating of 2 in any dimension must wait two years to reapply. Candidates with a rating of 1 in any dimension will be permanently disqualified. All candidates will be notified of their status by the Recruiting and Selection Unit within 10 business days following the hiring interview.

In addition, questions may arise from the background investigation itself, Personal History Questionnaire, Driving Record, Credit History, References, Criminal History, Resume, or other relevant information.

8. Conditional Offer of Employment

Pursuant to applicable state and Federal law, candidates who achieve a rating high enough to merit appointment to the Academy are given a Conditional Offer of Employment. This offer states that, if the candidate passes the remaining pre-employment steps, the candidate will be appointed to the Academy. Candidates must continue to meet the minimum requirements. Negative information that comes to the attention of the department after a conditional offer of employment is made is open to review, and may subject the candidate to revocation of the offer.

Psychological Screening and Medical ExaminationAll candidates shall undergo a psychological screening administered at the direction of the department’s Behavioral Sciences Section prior to appointment to an Academy. All candidates must pass this examination within 180 days prior to appointment.

All candidates shall undergo a complete medical and physical examination by a department physician prior to appointment. Failure to receive medical approval to fully participate in the Academy will result in disqualification. It shall not be administered earlier than 120 days prior to appointment.

Drug ScreeningAll candidates shall be drug screened at least once prior to appointment to the Academy. This screening may take place at any time after the written test result notification is received. No warning will be given to the candidate prior to the scheduling of this screening. Failure to attend or pass this screening shall result in immediate disqualification.

9. Appointment

Candidates who successfully complete all pre-employment steps are appointed to the next scheduled Trooper Recruit School. An appointment letter will be mailed to each candidate describing details of the Academy Orientation and specific equipment necessary to begin the Academy.

10. Academy Training

Most recruit schools are 18 weeks. Recruits are required to live at the academy during the week and are released on Friday evenings. They are required to return on Sunday evenings. This is a great sacrifice that takes commitment and a strong desire to succeed.

11. Field Training Officer Program (FTO)

After graduation, recruits are assigned as probationary troopers to any post in the state. Assignments are based on recruit performance and ability, and department personnel needs. Each probationary trooper is assigned a Field Training Officer (FTO). The FTO Program is 17 weeks. At the completion of the Field Training Program, probationers are certified to work alone.

MICHIGAN STATE POLICE TROOPER SALARY SCHEDULE

The starting salary is $29,670.48 with yearly pay increases to a maximum of $46,103.04 after five years.