Police Officer Requirements - District of Columbia

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Minimum Requirements to be a Police Officer in Washington D.C.

Washington DC minimum qualifications to be a police officer

Published: August 18, 2024

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To become a police officer in the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.), candidates must meet a series of minimum qualifications and requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Citizenship

Must be a U.S. citizen.

Age

Must be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment.

Education

Must have at least 60 college credits, OR three years of active-duty military service with an honorable discharge, OR five years of full-service law enforcement experience.

Vision

Must have vision that is at least 20/100, correctable to 20/30 in both eyes.

Physical Fitness

Must meet specific physical fitness requirements, including body fat percentage proportional to height and weight.

Driver's License

Must possess a valid driver's license.

Moral Character

Must exhibit good moral character, which will be evaluated through background checks and other assessments.

Additional Requirements

Background Investigation

Candidates must pass a thorough background check that includes criminal history, employment records, and personal references.

Polygraph Exam

A polygraph test is required to assess honesty and integrity.

Medical and Psychological Evaluation

Must pass a comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation to ensure fitness for duty.

Commitment

Must agree to serve at least two years as a sworn officer after completing the training academy.

Do Your Research

While state-level qualifications set the baseline for becoming a police officer, individual police agencies often implement stricter hiring standards to align with their specific needs and values.

These enhanced criteria can include regulations on tattoos, facial hair, background checks, and more.

Additionally, agencies might conduct more rigorous background checks than the state requires, diving deeper into an applicant’s history, including financial records, social media activity, and past behavior, to ensure candidates meet the department's ethical and professional standards.

Be sure to conduct more research into the requirements, qualifications, and disqualifications for specific agencies so that you are well prepared before entering their hiring process

Disclaimer

The requirements and qualifications for becoming a police officer may be subject to change due to updates in state legislation and public safety laws.

We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information; however, we recommend verifying with the relevant state or local law enforcement authorities to ensure compliance with the current standards and requirements.

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Sources

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) - Careers
D.C. Government - Police Officer Employment Requirements
Go Law Enforcement - District of Columbia Police Officer Requirements
District of Columbia Police Officer Standards