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Page Content
- Should I Become a Police Officer in Georgia?
- Career Outlook for a Police Officer in Georgia
- Steps to Become a Police Officer in Georgia
- How Long Does It Take to Become a Police Officer in Georgia?
- What Are the Requirements to Become a Police Officer in Georgia?
- How Much Does a Police Officer Earn in Georgia?
The state of Georgia, also called ‘The Peach State,’ offers some great career opportunities to Law Enforcement Personnel. Read this comprehensive guide to learn how to become a police officer in Georgia.
Should I Become a Police Officer in Georgia?
A police officer is expected to be honest, brave, empathetic and flexible. If you have these qualities in you, then you should consider becoming a police officer.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has outlined certain training and certification requirements for Police and Detectives. These have been discussed below.
- Education Required
- Training
- Licenses/Certifications
- Key Skills/Qualities
- Annual Mean Salary (2019)-National
- Job Outlook (2018-28)
- Annual Mean Salary (2019)-Georgia
- A college degree or a high school diploma
- Required at a training academy
- N/A
- Good Judgment, Perceptiveness, Leadership Skills, Communication Skills, Physical Stamina and Physical Strength.
- $67,600 (Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers)
- 5% (Police and Detectives)
- $44,700 (Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers)
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Outlook
Forecasts by theUS Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that employment of Police and Detectives will increase by 5% from 2018 to 2028.
Steps to Become a Police Officer in Georgia
This section discusses the process of becoming a police officer in Georgia in great detail.
Meet the Minimum Requirements Set by the State of Georgia
You should first check whether you meet the eligibility requirements to become a police officer. It is compulsory for aspiring police officers to possess a GED or a high school diploma, along with a valid driver’s license. Once you have completed these requirements, you should get in touch with the regional academy that you want to attend.
Take the Entrance Exam
Pass a Background Check
Complete the POST Application and Pass the Physical Examination
Appear for an Interview
Register and Pay the Fees
How Long Does It Take to Become a Police Officer in Georgia?
The process of becoming a police officer is quite long. First you have to complete high school education and then have to take an entrance exam (COMPASS or ASSET), the scores of which will be attached with your POST application. Then you will have to pass a background check and will have to complete the POST application.
After clearing the physical exam, you will be interviewed by the Academy Manager of your chosen academy. If you are successful in clearing the interview, your application will be sent to POST. You can then complete the registration process and pay the fees in order to attend the Basic Law Enforcement Training course.This is a rigorous program that can take around eleven weeks to complete.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Police Officer in Georgia?
The individual must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Have a High School Diploma/GED Certificate
- Possess a valid driver’s license.
- Possess the POST certification.
How Much Do Police Officers Earn in Georgia?
BLS has reported that Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers working in Georgia made an annual mean wage of $44,700 in 2019.