Police Officer Requirements – Nebraska

Nebraska Law Enforcement Agencies

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Minimum Requirements to be a Police Officer in Nebraska

  • Age 21 before completion of the training program
  • Citizen of the United States
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Hold Nebraska Driver’s license
  • Able to read, write, and understand the English language at the eleventh grade level as demonstrated by the Test of Adult Basic Education
  • Possess good character as determined by a thorough background investigation to include but not limited to consideration of the following:
    • Not convicted or has been pardoned of a crime punishable by imprisonment in a penitentiary for a term of one year or more, including convictions of Class 1 Misdemeanors
    • Not been convicted of driving while intoxicated or under the influence in the two years immediately preceding admission
    • Has not received a punitive discharge from the United States Armed Forces
    • Has not been denied certification status, had certification revoked or currently suspended in this state or another jurisdiction
    • Not been convicted of any crime involving the threat or actual use of physical violence that would constitute a Class I misdemeanor in this state.
    • Not been convicted of any crime involving the threat of or actual sexual assault or abuse.
    • Not convicted of any crime of physical violence or sexual abuse against a child or children.
    • Not convicted of a crime of domestic violence as defined in the United States Code, 18 USC 922(g)(9), that would disqualify from possessing a firearm.
    • Not subject to an order of protection that would disqualify from possessing a firearm under the provisions of United States Code, USC 922(g)(8)
    • Does not have a past indicative of incompetence, or neglect of duty.
    • Does not have a past indicative of physical, mental or emotional incapacity.
    • Has not been adjudged or convicted of criminal violations with such frequency so as to indicate a disrespect for the law and rights of others.
    • Has not been adjudged or convicted of traffic violations with such frequency so as to indicate a disrespect for traffic laws and disregard for the safety of others within the past three years.
    • Does not have a pattern of substance abuse.
    • Has not used marijuana for any purpose in the two years preceding application
    • Not used illegal drugs or narcotics other than marijuana in the five years preceding application