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
    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. Financial assistance may be available for military personnel through the Post-9/11 GI-Bill from the Department of Veteran Affairs.

    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