Join Our Team

Applicants must:

• be a United States citizen
• attain their 21^st birthday prior to completion of the training academy
• be a full-time Delaware resident by completion of the training academy
• possess a valid Delaware driver’s license by completion of the training academy
• have been honorably discharged and/or have a record of positive conduct with any prior military service.

In addition, any arrest or conviction is subject to review. An arrest must be expunged, and any conviction must be pardoned prior to submitting an application.

• All applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school or possess a GED and be able to provide proof of graduation.
• A college degree is not required, but college-level coursework in law enforcement-related fields (e.g., criminal justice, psychology, sociology, business administration, political science, counseling) is preferred.

Applicants must have:

• no impediment of the senses
• acuity of vision of not more than 20/200 corrected to 20/20 in each eye
• the ability to distinguish between red, green, and amber
• no pathology of the eyes
• acceptable depth perception
• normal hearing in both ears, per current standards
• no physical deformities that would be detrimental to proper performance of police duties
• a weight proportionate to height and build or body fat percentage.

• The minimum number of sit-ups and push-ups must be completed within one minute.
• Sit-ups must be completed with hands interlaced behind the neck, knees bent, and a spotter holding the applicant’s feet.
• Male applicants must complete push-ups on their toes. Female candidates may perform push-ups with their knees on the ground.
• Resting for push-ups is permitted only in the up position.

The following conditions will likely result in disqualification:

• felony or domestic violence conviction
• any criminal activity considered a felony under federal law in the state in which the activity occurred
• an arrest or conviction that indicates a pattern of disregard for the law
• frequent behavior of an undesirable nature
• commitments for a mental disorder to any hospital, mental institution, or sanitarium that would prevent the applicant from possessing a firearm as provided in Section 1448, Title 11 of the Delaware criminal code.

Applicants must pass a drug-screen test prior to appointment or attendance at a police training academy. All drug use, including illegal use of prescribed drugs, is subject to review at the time of application.

Candidates who have a drug-related history described below will be automatically disqualified:

• use of mind-altering hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD, PCP, heroin or any of its derivatives
• use of any illegal drug within one year of application
• the sale or delivery after attaining the age of 21 of any non-narcotic or narcotic-controlled substance, as defined in Title 16 of the Delaware criminal code.

Candidates with the following drug-related history may be disqualified:

• excessive experimental use of marijuana and/or more than two uses of cocaine and its derivatives
• use of a controlled substance after having submitted an application for employment as a police officer.

Any alcohol-related driving arrests and overall driving history will be subject to review upon application.

Candidates will be automatically disqualified for:

• a DUI conviction within the previous five years
• any motor vehicle conviction for failing to stop at the command of a police officer, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, criminal negligence resulting in death, homicide, or assault
• license suspension or revocation withing three years of the closing date of the job announcement.

Candidates may be disqualified if their driving history/record indicates:

• poor, dangerous, or otherwise undesirable driving habits
• operation of an automobile in a manner that may endanger public safety
• use of narcotics or other drugs or alcoholic beverages that impairs the ability to operate a motor vehicle.

The written exam will test job-related knowledge that includes but is not limited to:

• observation and memory
• ability to learn police material
• situational judgement and problem-solving
• verbal and reading comprehension.

Three or more certified officers comprise the oral interview panel.

The panel will judge each applicant based on:

• appearance
• communication skills
• employment experience
• bearing
• motivation
• responsibility and level of maturity
• sincerity of purpose
• suitability for the position.

When candidates successfully complete the steps above, a background investigator is assigned. The investigator will contact the applicant’s family, neighbors, references, past employers, and current and previous dating partners.

Covered areas include the applicant’s:

• education
• residential history
• dating partners
• employment history
• driving record
• credit standing
• criminal history
• drug usage
• participation in illegal activity
• encounters, if any, with the police.

The background investigation also includes a computer voice stress analyzer interview that helps verify the truthfulness of information provided by applicants throughout the process.

The police chief will meet and ask questions of each qualified applicant prior to hiring selections.