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Do You Have What It Takes?

Review these requirements before you apply. Every APD officer meets these standards before stepping into the academy.

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Requirements

Recommended – Beneficial Required – Must Meet

Download the full requirements checklist, including automatic disqualifiers.

Basic Requirements

Our recruiting team reviews your application for minimum qualifications and completeness.

  • Must be a U.S. citizen (PSA applicants may be a citizen or hold a valid work permit).
  • 21 years of age by the time of graduation from Basic Academy
  • High school diploma or GED (college preferred, not required).
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Honorable discharge (if prior military service).

Background Requirements

Character and history standards.

  • No felony convictions.
  • No domestic violence convictions.
  • No illegal felony drug use within the last 5 years; no illegal misdemeanor drug use within the last 2 years (marijuana reviewed case-by-case).
  • Stable employment history.
  • Positive character references available.

Physical & Medical Requirements

Health and fitness standards.

  • 20/100 vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes.
  • Hearing within normal range.
  • Pass physical fitness assessment.
  • Pass comprehensive medical exam.

Required Documents

Documents you’ll need to provide.

  • Government-issued photo ID.
  • Birth certificate; or naturalization certificate (required for naturalized PSA applicants)
  • High school diploma/GED certificate.
  • Copy of driver’s license.
  • DD-214 (if veteran).

Automatic Disqualifiers

  • No felony convictions. Criminal activity in which applicant has been convicted of, pled guilty to, or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge, or been involved in any prosecution diversion program (PPP) as adjudicated for a felony crime will result in permanent disqualification. Felony arrests will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
  • No misdemeanor convictions within the last 3 years from the date of initial testing. Misdemeanor arrests will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
  • No DWI convictions within the last five years from the date of initial testing, whether from an administrative sanction by a Motor Vehicle Department, criminal conviction, or military disciplinary action. Multiple DWIs (2 or more) in the most recent 10-year period disqualifies an applicant. DWI arrests will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
  • An applicant cannot have been convicted of a Domestic Violence Act. Domestic related arrests will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
  • No use in the last 2 years of any illegal misdemeanor drug (does not include marijuana).
  • Marijuana use is reviewed on a case by case basis.
  • No use in the last 5 years of any illegal felony drug (includes felony prescription drug use).
  • Any financial accounts referred to collections, written or charged off will be reviewed on a case by case basis and may result in disqualification.
  • Any history of discipline, termination, or resignation in lieu of termination may be grounds for disqualification.
  • Failure to pass the background investigation.
  • False statements or material omissions on the application or during any phase of the hiring process.
  • Dishonorable discharge from the military.
Critical

Integrity is everything. Most applicants fail not because of past issues, but because they lie or omit facts. Be honest.

Every APD officer started here. If you’re committed to serving your community, we’ll help you prepare for success.

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