How to Become a Police Officer in Delaware?
Law enforcement agencies in Delaware are always working hard to bring down the crime rate in the state. With 70 crimes per square mile, as compared to the national mean of 31.1 crimes as per Neighborhood Scout, Delaware has a serious security concern. Police officers in departments across the state are doing the best they can to keep the state safe from various kinds of crime. If you want to join them in protecting Delaware, the following information would be useful for you. This is a detailed guide on the steps to become a police officer in Delaware, the requirements and time investment required to join the law enforcement sector in this state.
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Career Requirements
| Educational Requirements | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Experience/Training | Training from Police Academy, Moderate on-the-job training |
| Key Skills | Interpersonal Skills, Fast Thinker, Teamwork, Physical Fitness, Strong Moral Character, Courage, Sound Judgement, Community Knowledge, Sense of Ethics, Perseverance and Initiative, and Negotiation Skills |
| Annual Mean Salary – Delaware, DE (2021) | $80,620 (Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers) |
| Job Outlook – Delaware, DE (2018-2028) | 8% (Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) and O*Net Online
Steps for Becoming a Police Officer in Delaware
To become a police officer in Delaware, you will need to follow certain steps. Keep in mind that these steps are to be taken as a general guide, since the exact requirements would vary according to area and jurisdiction.
- Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria (discussed below)
- Apply to become a law enforcement officer in Delaware
- Clear the Physical Ability Test
- Clear the Written Exam
- Pass the interview conducted by members of the law enforcement department in Delaware
- Clear the thorough background investigation
- Pass the Chief’s/Administrator’s Interview
- Complete the required Police training academy in your relevant jurisdiction
- Receive your offer of employment and begin working
Requirements to Become a Police Officer in Delaware
The general requirements to become a police officer in Delaware are quite similar to those in other states. Specific requirements tend to vary according to jurisdiction and area. Make sure you satisfy the following conditions before beginning the application process:
- • All candidates must be citizens of the US
- • All candidates ought to possess at least a high school diploma or a GED. Preference is typically given to those with a college degree, though this is not a requirement
- • All candidates need to have a valid Delaware driver’s license
- • All candidates must be residents of Delaware by birth or through naturalization
- • Candidates must not have any felony convictions
- • Candidates need to have a vision of not more than 20/200, correctable to 20/20 in both eyes
- • Candidates should not have a history of alcohol abuse
How long does it take to become a Police Officer in Delaware?
To become a police officer in Delaware, it can take approximately 2 years after you get your high school diploma and meet the basic requirements. The application process itself might not take long, however the police academy training can take up to 25 weeks, followed by a year-long probationary period.
How much does a Police Officer make in Delaware?
O*Net Online forecasts an 8% increase in employment opportunities for police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Delaware, DE between 2018 and 2028. The corresponding national average for this occupation is 7%. $80,620 was the mean annual salary of police officers in Delaware, DE as per BLS in 2021. Below are the top 5 highest paying states for this occupation in the US in 2021.
| State | Annual Mean Wage |
| California | $102,920 |
| Washington | $92,390 |
| New Jersey | $91,690 |
| Alaska | $87,510 |
| Illinois | $82,800 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)
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