How to Become a Police Officer in Georgia

Police officers in Georgia work for counties or cities, not for the State of Georgia, unless they are State Police Officers. Generally speaking, requirements are the same for each of the Georgia counties, with possibly a residency requirement for each county. No matter where in the U.S. a police officer works, he has a dangerous job. We, the public, do not usually appreciate police work and see officers as folks to be avoided when we are driving too fast. But we call them immediately if we need help.

Instructions

1. Possess a high school diploma or G.E.D., have a valid driver's license from Georgia and be 21 years of age.

2. Have at least 20/50 vision in each eye. With glasses, each eye should be corrected to 20/30. Depth and color perception must be within normal limits.

3. Pass screenings. Applicants cannot have been convicted of any felony, or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement, or have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces. You must successfully complete a background investigation, a polygraph examination, physical ability test, psychological and post admission medical examination.

4. Submit to drug testing at your own cost. If results are negative, you will be reimbursed, if they are positive, you will pay for the test yourself.

5. Complete the police academy training successfully in the metropolitan area in which you are applying.

6. Pass exams in climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions and be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force.

7. Possess the ability to enforce county and state laws. You must be able to respond to various dispatched calls for emergency and non-emergency and provide assistance to the general public, prepare reports on crimes, violations and accidents committed within the county. You will issue citations as well as make arrests for violations of laws and ordinances. You may direct traffic when traffic lights are down or during heavy congestion. The officer maintains a daily activity log, attends court and testifies on behalf of the County.

8. Have knowledge of State, Federal and County law requirements; arrest procedures; weapon procedures; basic criminal justice system principles; traffic laws and procedures; report preparation procedures; use of force principles; first aid procedures; computers and applicable software.