Police Officer Requirements - Maine
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Minimum Requirements to be a Police Officer in Maine
Published: August 18, 2024
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Minimum Requirements to become a Police Officer in Maine
Phase I
Students must first meet the age and education requirements to apply for the law enforcement pre-service course. The age and education requirements are below.
If your requirements are met and your application is accepted students must complete the 40-Hour On-line Law Enforcement Pre-Service Training Program.
Students must complete the MCJA application for the MCJA LEPS Phase I which includes a fee.
Students will be given a Log-In and Password to complete the training.
This training must be completed before attending Phase II and there is no time limit to complete the Phase I of the training, however at the completion of the Phase I training the student will need to contact MCJA and take a final exam in Vassalboro.
From the Phase I completion date, the student will have two years to start Phase II.
Phase II
Students must complete the 80-Hour Interactive, Scenario Based Classroom Program.
Prior to the start of Phase II, students must complete the MCJA application for the MCJA LEPS Phase II.
All students must meet the prerequisites listed below and send to the Academy all the required paperwork described below.
- Age: Per statute, students must be 21 years old, or 20 years old with at least 60 credits from an accredited college, or age 19, currently enrolled in an accredited post secondary education program, with at least 40 credit hours.
*Note Copies of transcripts or current grade reports are required with the application for those under 21.
- Background Sponsorship: Students must have a MCJA Background Investigation form signed and notarized by a Police Chief, Sheriff or Law Enforcement Administrator from a full-time Maine law enforcement agency that indicates no disqualifying conduct or conviction.
Disqualifying conduct or convictions will exclude applicants from eligibility, unless given a waiver from the MCJA Board.
- ALERT Test: Students must have a minimum passing score. The test is given at the MCJA campus the first and third Wednesday of each month at 8:00 a.m. It is also available off-site in the southern area of the state.
The ALERT test is a reading comprehension and writing skills test based upon the level required to master the MCJA Basic School Curriculum. There is no time frame to pass the ALERT exam prior to the start date of the Phase II program.
- Physical Fitness Test: Students must pass a Board approved fitness test at the 40th percentile based on age and gender norms
The following three (3) test items constitute the physical fitness test (PFT) requirements for acceptance into the Law Enforcement Pre-Service Phase II Program (same as entry into the BLETP):
- One Minute Maximum Push-Up test;
- One Minute Sit-Up test;
- 1.5 mile run.
The student will be required to pass the PFT exam within 1 year prior to the start date of the Phase II program.
- Written Test: Students will be required to pass a written test over the Phase I on-line training curriculum before being accepted into the Phase II program.
- Medical Test: Students must have a medical physical by an authorized medical person. This medical person must fill out the approved MCJA Medical form. The student will be required to pass the medical physical exam within 1 year prior to the start date of the Phase II program.
Phase III
After being hired by a Law Enforcement Agency as a Law Enforcement Officer, a provisional certificate will be issued upon receipt of a MCJA Notice of Employment and a MCJA Firearms Proficiency Form signed by a Certified MCJA Firearms Instructor.
The employing agency must provide 80-hours of documented supervision before a regular certification as a Law Enforcement Officer is granted by the Criminal Justice Academy.
The Chief Law Enforcement Officer will have to sign off on a notarized MCJA Form stating the officer has completed the 80 hours of supervision to his or her satisfaction.
The part-time law enforcement officer will have one year to complete the 80 hours of supervision. An officer may receive an extension by the MCJA Board in extenuating circumstances.
Do Your Research
While state-level qualifications set the baseline for becoming a police officer, individual police agencies often implement stricter hiring standards to align with their specific needs and values.
These enhanced criteria can include regulations on tattoos, facial hair, background checks, and more.
Additionally, agencies might conduct more rigorous background checks than the state requires, diving deeper into an applicant’s history, including financial records, social media activity, and past behavior, to ensure candidates meet the department's ethical and professional standards.
Be sure to conduct more research into the requirements, qualifications, and disqualifications for specific agencies so that you are well prepared before entering their hiring process.
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Sources
- Police Officer Qualifications | Wells, ME - Official Website
- Maine Police Officer Requirements | Go Law Enforcement
Disclaimer
The requirements and qualifications for becoming a police officer may be subject to change due to updates in state legislation and public safety laws.
We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information; however, we recommend verifying with the relevant state or local law enforcement authorities to ensure compliance with the current standards and requirements.
