Ohio
Ohio Police Academy Requirements and Ohio Police Officer Qualifications
1. Completion of the twelfth school grade. Substitution(s): A certificate of high school equivalence (GED) will be accepted in lieu of the educational requirement.
2. Applicants must be at least 20 years old when applying, and at least 21 years old at the time of appointment. (There is no upper age limit or maximum age restriction.)
3. Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license when applying and a valid Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license at time of appointment.
4. A citizen of the United States.
In addition, they look for police recruits who:
(1) are honest,
(2) are safe drivers,
(3) respect the rights of all individuals,
(4) respect the law,
(5) have a satisfactory employment history and
(6) have demonstrated good judgment. A background investigation will be conducted of all candidates prior to appointment, including a polygraph examination covering honesty/falsification, family history, employment, military history, traffic, gambling, criminal activity, substance abuse, and credit history.
