165 new graduates of 88th Massachusetts State Police Recruit Training Troop begin service

Thursday, August 3, 2023, was a rite of passage for the 165 men and women of the 88th Recruit Training Troop as they were sworn-in as Massachusetts State Police Troopers in a graduation ceremony at Springfield’s MassMutual Center.

Recruit Training Troop graduations, which mark the successful completion of a rigorous and highly disciplined course of instruction, applied policing procedures, and physical training, are noteworthy for their pageantry, ceremonial flourishes, and impressive display of drill maneuvers.

The pomp and ceremony appropriately highlight and celebrate the dedication and commitment of those recruits who complete the challenging regimen at the Massachusetts State Police Academy, considered by many to be the gold standard of police academy training.

A total of 249 members of the 88th RTT entered State Police Academy on Feb. 27, 2023, according to Massachusetts State Police.

The 165 graduates who took the oath on August 3rd are now two weeks into their service, assigned to barracks patrols accompanied by a Field Training Officer, and are realizing the well-earned reward of the successful completion of their training, a calling to serve others as a member of the Massachusetts State Police.

The 88th RTT graduating class was comprised of 143 males and 22 females. Seventy-five of the new Troopers have some prior service with other law enforcement agencies, and 33 have prior military service. Twenty-five graduates are fluent in a second language, including Spanish, Portuguese, Creole, and Vietnamese.