Minimum Requirements for Police Officer

This announcement provides the information necessary for a potential applicant to determine whether he or she meets the basic entry level qualifications for probationary Police Officer with the Sunset Hills Police Department.

Requirements
  • Age Requirement: Must be at least 21 years of age, or applicant much reach their 21st birthday by the time of completion of Police Academy training.
  • Residency: Must be a citizen of the United States. It is required that you live 1 hour or less driving time from the Police Department.
  • Education, Work Military Experience, Must Have Either:
    • An Associate's degree or 64 semester credit hours from a regionally accredited university, college, or community college. Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale of equivalent.
    • A high school diploma or GED with 1 year of prior police experience or 2 years of military service.
  • Height and Weight: Must be within the department standards - Consult Chart.
  • Vision: Minimum standard is 20/200 in each eye, uncorrected; correctable to 20/20 in each eye.
  • Arrest Record: Must be free from a conviction of a felony or a class "A" misdemeanor.
  • Driver's License: Must possess a valid operators license from your state of residency by date of appointment and have fewer than 5 points charged against his or her driving record at time of application.
  • Military: Must have an Honorable Discharge or a discharge Under Honorable Conditions if applicant has served in the U.S. Military.
Interview & Background Investigation
If it has been determined that your qualifications meet our requirements for police officer you will be contacted for an initial interview. Candidates will be judged on verbal communication, ability to assess situations and deal with people and their adaptability for police duties. Successful candidates will then proceed to a 2nd interview. From that interview candidates may be referred to the background investigation process, which can include a polygraph examination, the results of which are confidential and only provided to the Chief of Police.

Successful applicants will be given a conditional offer of employment. At that time a physical and psychological examination will be given. If the results of these exams meet the standards of employment, the applicant will be appointed.

After graduation from the Police Academy and upon completion of a probationary period, Police Officers are eligible to receive a yearly merit increase until they reach the top of the pay grade.

Helpful Documents