Montana
Montana Police Academy Requirements and Montana Police Officer Qualifications
- have a high school diploma or GED
- have a valid driver’s license from any state and have at least three years’ driving experience
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a Montana resident at the time you are appointed as a sworn trooper
- be at least 18 years of age
- possess binocular vision of 20/200 uncorrected, which is corrected using glasses or contact lenses to binocular vision of 20/30; 140 degrees peripheral; normal color vision (to sufficiently distinguish red, yellow and green); and normal depth perception
- be of good moral character and in sound, active physical and mental condition. Applicants with felony convictions that could have resulted in imprisonment in a federal or state penitentiary are disqualified. Misdemeanor convictions for criminal offenses are reviewed on a case-by-case basis
- be willing to accept an initial assignment in any part of Montana and to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays, as well as accept call-outs
Education and Experience
Although none of the following are required, the Patrol encourages candidates who have at least one of these qualifications to apply:
- an associate degree in criminal justice or police science
- a four-year or higher degree in any field
- 60 semester or 90 quarter credits in a liberal arts curriculum
- four years’ military police/military security experience
- two years’ public regulatory/compliance work
