Police Officer Requirements – District of Columbia

District of Columbia Law Enforcement Agencies

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

  • Be a US citizen at the time of application
  • Be 21 years of age
  • Possess at least 20/100 vision, correctable to 20/30 in both eyes (contacts are permitted, but must be worn for six (6) months or Lasik-type surgery at least six (6) weeks prior to examination)
  • Pass a written test
  • Pass a physical ability test
  • Submit to a polygraph examination
  • Pass a medical examination, including a drug-screening test (blood, urine, and hair), and being of proportionate height and weight as measured by percentage of body fat
  • Pass a psychological examination
  • Possess a high moral character for carrying out law enforcement duties
  • Possess a valid driver’s license at the time of application
  • Have one of the following:
    • Successfully completed at least 60 semester hours of college credit — essentially the equivalent of two years of higher education with coursework in any subject matter. Credits from any accredited college or university will be accepted; or
    • Served in the Armed Forces of the United States, including the Organized Reserves and National Guard, for at least three years on active duty and, if separated from the military, have received an honorable discharge; or
    • Have served at least five years in a full-duty status with a full-service police department in a municipality or a state within the United States, and have resigned or retired in good standing.