How to Become a Police Officer in Alabama

Becoming a police or peace officer in Alabama requires employment with a law enforcement agency, then certification through the state commission. Certification can be earned by graduating from an approved academy, which is a school authorized by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission to train new police officers. There are 10 law enforcement training academies in Alabama.

Things You'll Need

• Alabama driver's license
• Driving record for the past 3 years
• Lifetime arrest history
• Dates of military service and discharge
• High school diploma or equivalency
• Physical exam

Instructions

Find a Job First

1. Know that Alabama does not allow nonsworn trainees, which means that you have to find a job before applying to a police academy. Once in the job, the department will help arrange for academy training. If you have been dishonorably discharged from the armed services, you will not be considered for a position. You must also be a citizen of the United States.

2. Graduate from high school or take a high school equivalency test. This is the first and minimal educational requirement to becoming a police officer. Correspondence or mail-order high school diplomas are not accepted. If you question the validity of your diploma, you may contact the Alabama Department of Education at [phone]. Ask for two copies of your transcript because you may need it again when applying to the academy.

3. Turn age 18. If you have time between the time you finish high school and turning 18, consider taking community college or university classes in criminal justice. Though this education is not required for entry-level positions, it can only help you later in your career. In some cases, police officers with an associate, bachelor's or master's degree receive a higher salary based on their level of education.

4. Go to a licensed doctor and receive clearance that you are physically capable of doing the job.

5. Apply for a position as police cadet with any Alabama agency. Cadet positions are posted within each city. Becoming a state trooper or officer with other law enforcement agencies is a difference process.

Apply for a Training Academy

1. Follow the Alabama Peace Office Training and Standards link in Resources below and fill out an application form once you are employed as a cadet. This will be the start of your application packet for the academy.

2. Submit a copy of your high school diploma or GED. This was probably required when you applied as a cadet, so if you asked for two copies, you are all set.

3. Submit the medical release from a licensed physician that you are in good health and physically capable of working as a police officer.

4. Sign the affidavit and release forms.

5. Ensure that you are of good moral character and reputation. This includes that you have no felony convictions (not including juvenile convictions), no pardons for felony convictions, no guilty or no-contest pleas to a felony count, no convictions in another jurisdiction that would be considered a felony in Alabama, completion of a psychological exam by the Commission, no prohibitions from possessing firearms and no false information on your application. Misdemeanor convictions related to domestic violence may also preclude you from becoming a police officer.

Attend the Academy

1. Apply to the academy. Your department will assist you in choosing and applying for the academy. For most cadet positions, you can enter the academy at the entrance date closest to your twenty-first birthday. To become become a police officer, you must be 21.

2. Complete 480 hours of basic training at the academy. You must attend 95 percent of all training hours.

3. Receive an overall score of 70 percent on all written exams.

4. Pass the physical agility test. This includes timed push-ups, timed sit-ups, pushing a patrol car, climbing a fence, running and entering through a window, a balance test, dragging a heavy weight and completing a timed 1 1/2 mile run.

5. Pass 43 hours of firearms training and qualify two of three times on the firearms course with a minimum score of 70.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are a police officer in another state or military police, you may apply as a lateral transfer and skip some of these steps.

• Individual departments may have additional requirements for the job application.

Resources

• List of Alabama police departments
• Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission
• Academy website links
• Huntsville Academy Physical Agility Test