To obtain an application for Pre-employment law enforcement training call (207)877-8000 or e-mail pre-employment application.

The Basic Law Enforcement Training Program is an 18-week residential program that is run twice a year at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro, Maine. This program is open, on a space available basis, to persons who meet the enclosed entrance requirements.

Completion of this program does not guarantee your employment as a law enforcement officer. It does enable you to state to prospective law enforcement employers that you have fulfilled the mandatory training requirements of a full time municipal, county or state law enforcement officer. Upon employment, you will be eligible to take the Maine Law Enforcement Officer’s Certification Examination.

The application process for the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program is mandated by the Director of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy with the approval of the Board of Trustees. Those meeting the entrance requirements will be placed on a roster and accepted into the program on a space available basis. Preference will be given to individuals who have been hired as law enforcement officers by a governmental entity.

Stage 1 Application

(In this stage, the below information must be submitted to the Maine Criminal Justice Academy)

1. Application and Personal History Statement: Applicants must complete and submit the Maine Criminal Justice Academy Application for the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program; This form covers personal, employment, military service, financial, legal, motor vehicle operation and school history information. Applicants will submit all required information and an official copy of any degrees conferred to the applicant as well as other requested documentation. The application will be reviewed by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy’s Selection Committee. A non-refundable $150.00 application fee must accompany the application;
2. Reading and Writing Examination: Applicants will provide a copy of the ALERT examination results. This reading and writing examination is offered monthly at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.
3. Physical Fitness Assessment: The physical fitness examination is offered monthly at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. Applicants must meet the 40th percentile for their age and gender. Candidates failing the examination may retake the exam at any time. Exam results must be within one year of date of application to the school. All applicants will be retested 30 days prior to the start of the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program and no candidates will be accepted unless they meet the 40th percentile.
4. Application Review and Personal Interview: A selection committee, appointed by the Director and comprised of members of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy’s Board of Trustees, municipal, county and state law enforcement officers will review all applications, interview and recommend candidates to the Director in order of their finish.

Stage 2

(Applicants in this stage have received a conditional offer of acceptance to the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program and continue screening)

The following information is required in this phase of the application process:

1. Medical Fitness: The applicant’s medical fitness will be evaluated by a licensed physician who will submit the Maine Criminal Justice Academy Medical Evaluation Form to the Academy. Applicants are responsible for any fees associated with this evaluation;
2. Background Investigation: All applicants will undergo an extensive background investigation according to the standards set forth in the Maine Criminal Justice Academy’s Background Investigation Manual. Background Investigations must be conducted by a law enforcement agency or a private investigator licensed by the Maine Department of Public Safety. Applicants are responsible for any fees associated with this investigation;
3. Psychological Evaluation: Applicants shall undergo a psychological evaluation by a licensed psychologist or licensed psychological examiner according to the standards set forth in the Maine Criminal Justice Academy Psychological Evaluation Form. Applicants are responsible for any fees associated with this evaluation;
4. Polygraph Examination: Applicants shall undergo a polygraph examination by a person licensed as a polygraph examiner by the Maine Department of Public Safety according to the standards set forth in the Maine Criminal Justice Academy’s Law Enforcement Polygraph Examiner’s Manual. Applicants are responsible for any fees associated with this examination.