How To Get Into The Police Academy

Police Academy Requirements

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Police officers play a significant role in maintaining peace and safety within communities. They keep order by enforcing laws, responding to emergency calls, patrolling neighborhood and community areas, and arresting criminal suspects. Becoming an officer of the law requires a high school diploma and police academy training. While the entrance requirements for police academies differ from state to state, most adhere to some general requirements.

Age, Citizenship, and License

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In most U.S. states, applicants for police academy training must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen and a licensed driver. The age requirements ensure that individuals are mature and competent enough to be an officer. Police officers frequently patrol areas in their cars, making a driver's license essential to the job and a requirement for entrance into the police academy.

Education

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Most police academies require applicants to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Some academies may require some college coursework or a degree, because being an educated, knowledgeable police officer in the field is advantageous. A college degree or some formal education may increase a candidate's chances of being admitted into the academy and, in many cases, allow an officer to advance more quickly in his career.

Background Check

Police officers must follow specific procedures when questioning suspects.

Police officer candidates must have a clean criminal record. A police academy would not take the chance on a candidate with a criminal history whose judgment while handling criminal suspects and firearms might be questionable. An officer's criminal past could pose a threat to the safety and integrity of a police department and community. In addition to running a background check, a police academy will interview candidates and conduct drug testing.

Physical Capabilities

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Police academy applicants must demonstrate a certain level of strength, health and physical capabilities. In the field, police officers may have to pursue a fleeing criminal on foot, wrestle an unruly or dangerous citizen to the ground, or climb over walls or fences to get to a citizen or victim. In addition to passing exams in hearing, vision, strength and agility, police officers must show their athleticism and fitness level. They may undergo physical tests that include sprint and distance-running lap times and weight-bearing exercises, such as pressups and situps.

Character

A police academy will only admit applicants who demonstrate outstanding moral character. In protecting their communities, police officers must be able to employ their steadfast moral and ethical code while enforcing the law; doing anything otherwise would contradict the U.S. legal system. Police academies look for potential officers who are trustworthy, honest, perceptive and kind, as well as those who demonstrate good judgment and leadership skills.

References

Writer Bio

Jennifer Kimrey earned her bachelor's degree in English writing and rhetoric from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas. She's a regular contributor to the "Houston Chronicle" and her work has appeared on Opposing Views Cultures, The Austin American-Statesman, The Red Vault, The Western Vault and various other websites and publications.