Mass Test?

[PearlOnyx]

Anybody know what's going on in Massachusetts now? The State Police test has been canceled three times now. I can't remember the last time I saw a Trooper on the highways in my area. They must be pretty shorthanded.

[avsrock67]

You're right about the MSP being shorthanded. Unfortunately the state is very political and the legislature was not happy with the last test. There was almost an injunction put on it. The test was a joke. It was about 50 questions long. Half were grammar and the rest were opinion type questions ie. if someone found a wallet with $5000 do you think they would return it? Around 15,000 people took the test and only 600 scored in the 90's. They paid some consultant big money to come up with a stupid test. This test was more of a joke than the recent U.S. Marshal's test. At least that was longer and more practical. In Mass. the written test score weighs heavily. They don't screen a lot of candidates so do get on you have to score very high on the written. Their process isn't very fair compared to most states. Supposedly the next exam is scheduled for the fall of next year. Good luck.

[CopKid2525]

I do know that they did take three classes to the academy from the last test and i was told by some of the troopers that the test should be some time in 2002. I was also told that there will also be a lot of retirements so that means open spots!

[bceagles]

avsrock67
Was the last test a joke because it was too easy or because it wasn't relevant? How do you grade a test that is opinion based? Was it more a situational/judgemental test that assessed whether individuals would contradict themselves or was it an assessment of one's character/morals? Well hopefully Joe Kerrigan can get the Red Sox playing well enough to help keep our minds off when they are finally going to administer the test. Good luck

[avsrock67]

bceagles,

To answer your question it is both, the test was very simple and the opinion questions shouldn't have been relevant. It wasn't situational police questions, it was questions about your opinion about other people. About the post above you, there have been only 2 classes off this last test from Feb 98. Both classes were around 100 people or so. Not sure if they plan on having any more classes off the last test. I have had rumors both ways about retirement. There could be many going but who knows. It never happens because why would they wanna leave such a cushy job and make great money hiding somewhere on the job. I think some are waiting for a COLA raise that might be happening soon. Just keep in mind they don't put on a lot of guys and they don't screen a lot of people to get the class either.