Police Officer Requirements – Louisiana

Minimum Requirements to be a Police Officer in Louisiana

Louisiana State Trooper Qualifications:

  • Be a United States Citizen.
  • Have a minimum of Two (2) years of experience as a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified peace officer in a full-time position, whose job duties include armed duty with the power of arrest, (jailer/correctional officer experience does not qualify); or A minimum of sixty (60) semester hours from an accredited college or university, (must provide transcript or degree); or Any two (2) year combination of Options 1 and 2 above, whereby thirty (30) semester hours will be equivalent to one (1) year of experience; or Three (3) years of continuous active military duty in the United States Military, (must provide a DD-214 or letter from current commanding officer verifying service), effective October 1, 2001.
  • Be of good moral character.
  • Pass a written examination with a competitive score.
  • Undergo a physical agility evaluation, including a drug screen.
  • Pass an extensive background investigation, including a polygraph examination.
  • Pass an oral interview.
  • Pass a thorough medical examination.
  • Possess a valid Louisiana driver’s license at time of selection.
  • Successfully complete the required State Police Training Academy program.

Louisiana State Police Cadet Necessary Special Requirements:

  • Must be able to read, write and speak the English language.
  • Must possess a high school diploma or equivalency.
  • Must be at least eighteen (18) years old at time of application.
  • Must possess a valid Louisiana Driver’s License at time of appointment.
  • Must pass physical examination, and physical fitness test.
  • Must submit to a drug screen and a risk assessment.