Law Enforcement Training in Georgia

Georgia law enforcement candidates must pass a drug test before academy training.

Training for a law enforcement position in Georgia requires completion of the Georgia Basic Law Enforcement Training Course (BLETC), offered at multiple police academies throughout the state.

Minimum Requirements

You must have a high school diploma, be a U.S. citizen and be at least 18 years old at the time you apply for law enforcement training at a Georgia police academy.

Admission

Both current employees of a Georgia law enforcement agency and civilians (called "pre-service" candidates) not yet employed may attend the academy.

Cost

The cost of attending BLETC for current employees of a Georgia law enforcement agency is subsidized by the department. Pre-service candidates pay out-of-pocket for attendance; as of 2010, the cost is $3,093. Applicants also must pay any equipment costs, which vary by academy.

Testing

Testing prior to entrance to the BLETC includes an oral interview with a member of the hiring authority and an entrance exam that includes two tests: an ASSET (assessment of skills for successful entry and transfer) and a COMPASS (computer-adaptive placement, assessment and support system) test. Both tests measure basic skills in reading, writing and math.

Moral Character

A conviction at the state or federal level of any crimes punishable by prison time disqualifies you from the academy, as does a history of frequent disregard for the law. Background checks, including fingerprinting, are completed before entrance to the academy.

References

• State of Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council: Official Code