Georgia Law-Enforcement Schools
Becoming a police officer in Georgia requires training and certification through a law-enforcement school, commonly referred to as a police academy. All applicants must be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma and a valid driver's license. Applicants can apply directly to their local law-enforcement office and receive training at no cost, or enter the police academy as a "Pre-Service" candidate and pay their own way.
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Entrance Exams
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All Pre-Service candidates must pass entrance exams to be accepted to the police academy of their choice. The entrance exams required are the ASSET and COMPASS tests, which are available at most technical schools throughout the state. Georgia has nine police academies; the academy you attend is based upon the county in which you reside. The academy you enroll with will assist you in arranging for your exams.
Application Process
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All police academies in Georgia utilize an application process that involves criminal background checks, physical exams, drug testing and an interview with the head of the academy. All Pre-Service candidates will also need to complete a "Pre-Service Application for Certification" with the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council. Once approved by POST, the Pre-Service candidate can begin training.
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Training Program
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The Georgia Basic Law Enforcement Training Course, or BLETC, is the official program offered at police academies in Georgia. The program takes 408 hours to complete, and usually is 10 to 11 weeks in length. The cost for the BLETC program in 2010 was $3,093.
Advanced Certifications
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POST offers several training and certification programs at various police academies to help advance an officer's career. Examples of the intermediate and advanced certifications include bomb technician, training officer and arson investigator.
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References
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