Providence Police Training Academy
Welcome to the Providence Police Department’s recruitment process. The Providence Police Department was established by city ordinance in 1864 and is the largest law enforcement agency in Rhode Island. It is the largest most diverse police force in Rhode Island and is a reflection of the community and the citizens it serves. The Providence Police Department is a state and nationally accredited law enforcement agency with a strong community-oriented policing philosophy. It is our mission to protect our neighborhoods and ensure the safety of those who live, work and visit our city.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Providence police officer. I look forward to continuing our traditions of providing committed and dedicated police officers to protect and serve the City of Providence.
Best of Luck,
Colonel Oscar L. Perez
Chief of Police
Step 1
Review all candidate academy requirements, physical and written assessments, as well as the application and documentation requirements listed below.
Step 2
- Apply online – Applications open through October 31, 2023.
- Individuals MUST Pay Application Fee to continue through the process.
- All applications and payments should be made by then to be considered.
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Academy Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age to apply.
- There is a $50 non-refundable application fee
- Must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license upon filing an application.
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- An applicant cannot be on probation for a criminal offense or have been convicted at any time of a felony offense.
- Applicant must be of a good moral character and the highest personal integrity.
- An applicant’s background and character are carefully investigated before hiring.
- Any conviction of a crime of domestic violence, including a nolo contendere plea resulting in probation will result in immediate disqualification from consideration.
- Any misdemeanor drug-related convictions will be carefully scrutinized.
- If an applicant has a military background, the applicant must have received a discharge under honorable conditions.
Selection Process
Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated in the following phases:
- Physical Fitness Assessment
- Written examination (high school level)
- Oral interview
- Background investigation (including all information releases)
- Medical examination (including drug screening)
- Physical fitness pre-test prior to entry into the Police Training Academy
Written Exam
This portion of the test will be administered by an outside agency.
The standards used are high school level.
This is a multiple-choice test. There are textbooks available in bookstores, libraries, and online which may assist you in preparing for the written test.
Required documents
- Birth Certificate
- Diploma (or equivalency)
- Valid Driver’s License
Candidate Physical Fitness Assessment
Physical Fitness Assessment
This portion of the testing is conducted by certified instructors. Any questions should be addressed to them. You may view the physical fitness assessment instructional video and required standards online.
You should practice the physical fitness assessment requirements prior to your scheduled physical fitness assessment test date to determine if you are able to meet the required standards for your age and gender.
Required documents
To be submitted at the time of physical fitness assessment:
Other Requirements:
Successfully pass a background investigation
Successfully pass a criminal background check in accordance with R.I. General Laws 45-2.3.4.
Successfully pass a medical examination including a drug screening
Successfully pass a psychological examination
Please note that it is your responsibility to inform the Division of Training of any changes to your contact information.
The Providence Police are one of the oldest police departments in the U.S. with it’s origins dating back to the Revolutionary War (1775).
