Every police department requires their police officers to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent in order to be considered for hire.
Similarly, you may ask, can a highschool dropout become a police officer?
While some departments hire graduates right out of high school, most require potential officers to be at least 21 years old. Thus, students who are hired after high school must work and train until they are 21 in order to become an officer.
Also, what can disqualify you to become a police officer?
Which are the common police background check disqualifiers?
- Felony convictions.
- Serious misdemeanors.
- Current drug use or past drug abuse.
- Dishonorable discharge from military service.
- Bad credit history.
- History of domestic violence.
- Not clean driving license.
- Unreported past crimes.
Can I join the police academy with a misdemeanor?
It is not uncommon for police officers to have criminal records. Misdemeanor convictions, especially if they are more than five years old, do not typically disqualify someone from becoming a police officer.
Is GED easier than high school?
Although the GED test represents less of a time commitment than a high school diploma, it's not academically easier. The test is graded on an equivalency scale compared to current high school students. To pass, test takers must perform on a level comparable to or above 60% of high school seniors.