Frequently Asked Questions for Those Desiring to Become a Police Officer in the State of Georgia

Q. How do I become a law enforcement officer in Georgia?
A. To become a law enforcement officer in Georgia, you must successfully complete the Basic Law Enforcement Training Course (BLETC) at a Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) certified Academy.

Q. How do I enter the police academy?
A. There are two ways to enter the police academy.

  1. As an employee of a law enforcement agency.
  2. As a Pre-service Applicant.

    3. Q. What is a Pre-Service applicant?
    A. A pre-service applicant is one who is not employed by a law enforcement agency and applies directly to an academy. Pre-Service applicants are financially responsible for required tuition and fees.

    Q. How much does it cost to attend the Academy?
    A. Costs are as follows:

    1. Background investigation conducted by PSI - $245 (Effective December 1, 2009)
    2. Fingerprinting (GAP) - $52.90
    3. Medical Exam - Varies according to physician.
    4. POST Application Fee - $150 (Currently waived by POST)
    5. Tuition - $3093.00
    6. Uniforms and Required equipment - Cost's vary at each Academy. Contact the Academy attending to determine the cost.

    Q. Can I pay with cash, credit card, or personal check?
    A. PSI and GAP will accept credit cards. POST will only accept cashiers check or a money order. GPSTC and the Regional Police Academies will accept a certified check or money order.

    Q. Are there grants or scholarships available to pay the cost of tuition?
    A. Yes. Georgia's HOPE grant is available for eligible Georgia residents and will pay tuition only. You must be a Georgia resident for at least a year. http://www.armstrong.edu/Departments/center_for_justice_administration/justiceadmin_welcome

    Q. How long is the BLETC?
    A. The curriculum designated by POST is 408 hours; not including orientation (8 hours) is normally 10 1/2 to 11 weeks in duration.

    Q. How do I get a Pre-Service application?
    A. A Pre-Service may be obtained on-line at the Georgia POST's web page or from a regional police academy (http://www.gpstc.org/divisions/regionals.html).

    Q. How do I apply?
    A. Application is made through a regional police academy. The application process will require successful completion of the Entrance Examination, background investigation (including a fingerprint check through state and federal data bases), physical examination, and one or more interviews.

    Q. What are the requirements to become a peace officer in Georgia?
    A. Click here to access OCGA 35-8-8 or visit POST at: http://www.gapost.org/3588.htm