Minimum Requirements

Minimum requirements vary depending on the department in which you hope to work. Some possible types of requirements are:

• Citizenship. Most departments require applicants to be citizens of the United States by the time of hiring.
• Age. Age requirements for prospective applicants can vary. The age requirement for taking the test can be lower than the age for hiring. The New York City Police Department applicants can file for the exam at 17.5 years old. Most agencies require applicants to be 21 years old at the time of actual hiring. The upper limit can also vary. The NYPD upper limit is 35 years old. There may be further allowance for military experience. Some police departments have abandoned this upper limit.
• Education. In most cases, a high school diploma or GED is required. Many agencies now require college credits (60 hours for the NYPD and the New York State Police [NYSP]). Some agencies will accept military experience in lieu of college credits.
  
• Licensure. A current, valid driver’s license is usually required.
• Convictions. Applicants should not have any felony convictions or dishonorable discharges from the military. You should also take into account that your driving record may come under scrutiny as well, even though it probably will not disqualify you. You will be asked how many violations you have, whether they were paid, and whether your license was ever suspended as part of your background check.
• Vision/health. Generally, applicants are required to have good or correctable vision, to have a reasonable height/weight ratio, and to not take illegal drugs.

You should also expect to be subjected to a background check and drug test. The specifics of these screenings depend upon the jurisdiction where you are applying. However, you should expect the department to access your school records and any criminal records related to you. The department might also interview your family members and friends. And if you have any social media accounts, be aware of this: departments are now checking your social media accounts and analyzing your behavior and posts to get a better sense of your character. Putting up certain posts and pictures may be fun and get some laughs, but depending on the content, they may also hurt you in the long run. Exercise caution and good judgment every time you present yourself to the world, because that is what you'll be required to do as a police officer.