Colorado Police Academy Requirements and Colorado Police Officer Qualifications

1. 21 years of age or older,
2. Authorization to work in the United States,
3. No felony convictions or convictions of moral turpitude,
4. Possession of a valid driver’s license,
5. A high school diploma or GED, and
6. At least 60 semester hours or sworn police officer experience may be substituted for education requirements as follows:
   • Two years sworn Police Officer experience or Colorado POST certified corrections officer at a county jail, state or federal prison may substitute for 30 semester hours of college credit.
   • Three years sworn Police Officer experience or Colorado POST certified corrections officer at a county jail, state or federal prison may substitute for 45 semester hours of college credit.
   • Four years sworn Police Officer experience or Colorado POST certified corrections officer at a county jail, state or federal prison may substitute for 60 semester hours of college credit.

Credit for experience is given only for full years of sworn service in Patrol or Investigative assignments or Colorado POST certified corrections officer at a county jail, state or federal prison. Time assigned to military assignments are not eligible for experience credits. Experience credit is given only for individuals not out of the policing profession longer than 12 months.

All credit hours contributing to the minimum requirement must be completed with a minimum grade point of 2.0 or better. All earned semester hours must be from one of the following six regional accrediting bodies: Middle States, North Central, Northwest, Southern, New England, or Western Association of Schools and Colleges. For foreign degrees, accreditation will be accepted from a member of the NACES. The accreditation statement must detail each course taken to include title, GPA and total semester hours. For a list of NACES members go to http://www.naces.org.

Additional desired qualifications:

1. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Accreditation must be from one of the six regional accrediting bodies listed above.)
2. Proficient in Spanish/English bilingual skills.
3. Background and experience relating to and/or working with a diverse group of people from different races, ethnic backgrounds, ages, disabilities, socio-economic groups, and/or both genders.
4. Ability to speak in public, facilitate group meetings, resolve conflict, and solve problems.

Selection process will include application review, written exam, physical ability assessment, oral board & integrity interviews, background check, psychological & polygraph tests, medical exam, and drug screen.

All applications must be made on a City of Longmont application form, which includes a Supplemental Police Officer Application with addendum questions. Resumes are NOT accepted in lieu of any portion of the application packet.

Original college transcripts will be required.

New employees are required to sign an employment agreement for reimbursement of expenses if an employee voluntarily resigns within two years of hire date