The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is hiring three (3) Protective Services Trainees (Police) at our Middletown campuses. This position is the entry-level training pathway to become a DMHAS Police Officer. In this role, you will complete academy and field training as part of a working test period. After successfully completing both academy and field training requirements, you will be eligible for appointment to the target class of Police Officer, with responsibility for protecting life and property. We are seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to support the safety of employees and patients across our facilities.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
- Full-time, 40 hours per week
- Located in Middletown, CT
- Hazardous Duty positions
- Must be available for all shifts
- Every other weekend off
Available Positions:
Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH)
- 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM (3rd Shift) – Position #24243
Whiting Forensic Hospital (WFH)
- 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM (2nd Shift) – Position #146093
- 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM (2nd Shift) – Position #146095
WHY CHOOSE THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT:
- Explore our comprehensive State Employee Benefits Overview to see what we offer
- Hazardous Duty pension plan (State Employees Retirement System Tier IV)
- Retire after 25 years – with pension and healthcare benefits
- Career development and promotional pathways
- A supportive culture that values a healthy work/life balance
DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO:
- Begin your law enforcement career through structured training and mentorship
- Support a mission-driven division focused on safety, respect, and recovery
- Help protect staff, clients, and visitors across clinical environments
- Respond to situations where your judgment and professionalism matter
- Contribute to a collaborative team committed to public services
MORE ABOUT US:
The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) provides comprehensive behavioral health services that promote dignity, respect, and self‑sufficiency for the people we serve.
DMHAS’s Division of Safety Services – Public Safety Division maintains a safe and secure environment across our recovery‑oriented healthcare facilities. Our officers serve with compassion, integrity, and professionalism while enforcing the law impartially.
The division includes approximately 70 sworn officers, supported by patrol staff, dispatchers, and other team members. Working in a clinical environment offers unique challenges and opportunities, including safety and security responsibilities essential for regulatory and accreditation compliance.
Please note:
- A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.
- All state employees must adhere to Connecticut’s Policy for a Drug Free Workplace.
Requirements:
- Applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States by date of appointment
- Applicants for this class must have reached their 21st birthday
- Applicants must have a High School diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification prior to admission to the Connecticut Police Training Academy
- Incumbents in this class must have established residence within Connecticut before becoming a sworn member of the DMHAS Police
- Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license during employment
- During the recruitment process, applicants will be required to submit a copy of their current Motor Vehicle Operator’s license
The Protective Services Trainee hiring process is extensive; the time from application to appointment can take several months. The application to hire process is separated into seven (7) stages:
1. Application Period: Ensure that your application is complete and detailed before submitting it. In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted into the JobAps system.
2. Physical Fitness Assessment: Candidates must complete a Physical Fitness Assessment that measures muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility.
Alternatively, candidates can obtain a valid CHIP card prior to and in lieu of the Police Physical Ability Test. To register, please follow the instructions on the CHIP Test Schedule.
Instructional Video Links:
On Orientation Day, applicants must also pass an additional Police Physical Fitness Assessment to secure their seat in the Academy Class. *Please note: preference will be given to applicants who have successfully attained their CHIP card at the time of interview
3. Interview Panel: Applicants will be interviewed by sworn members of DMHAS Police.
4.Polygraph Examination: Inquiries concerning employment history; driving history; medical history; financial history; gambling history; illegal possession, use, and sale of drugs/narcotics; criminal activity; military history; illegal sexual activity; use of alcohol; general personal data; prior conduct in police/security/corrections fields; subversive, revolutionary, or gang activity; basic honesty and integrity.
5.Psychological Evaluation: Combination of written tests and interviews to assess suitability for employment in law enforcement.
6.Background Investigation: Comprehensive review of employment, education, training, criminal, motor vehicle, and credit history.
7.Medical Evaluation: Comprehensive physical examination, including drug screening.
DMHAS Police Recruit Training Program:
Successful completion of all phases of the selection process means that you are eligible to be considered for final appointment as a Protective Services Trainee. If you are selected into this role, you will enter the physically and mentally demanding training program at a POSTC approved Police Academy. Depending on the academy you are in, this program may last approximately thirty (30) weeks which includes classroom instruction, practical exercises, and physical conditioning. Depending on the academy you attend, trainees may be required to live at the Academy, Monday through Friday.
Trainees who succcessfully complete all academy phases will begin field training and enter their probationary period. Trainees will be assigned to one of the DMHAS locations listed above for job training.
