Idaho Police Academy Requirements

Joining a police academy is a milestone on the path to becoming a police officer. Many requirements vary from state to state, however, certain standards, such as being a citizen of the United States, are required across the board. Idaho police academy requirements consist of, in part, the following:

Age Requirement – A State Trooper Recruit must be at least 21 years of age at time of employment. There is no upper age limit. Note: The on-line application asks if you are at least 21 years of age, or will be 21 within six months.

Residency and Citizenship Requirement – Applicants must be a resident of Idaho and possess a valid Idaho driver’s license upon appointment as a State Police Cadet.  Applicants must be a United States citizen at the time of initial application.

Educational Requirement – Idaho police academy requirements state that applicants must possess a high school diploma or General Equivalency Degree (GED) time of application.  Correspondence or mail-order high school diplomas are not accepted. Additionally, 2 or more years of responsible work experience or attendance at an institution of higher learning following high school graduation are required.

Applicant will be required to take a written/oral examination, psychological test, as well as a polygraph examination.

Automatic Disqualification Factors

Applicants are advised that the Idaho State Police will automatically disqualify any applicant who does not meet the general requirements as detailed above.  In addition, the following information is provided regarding our criteria for automatic disqualification:

• Falsification, omission, or misrepresentation of any information during the completion of the Polygraph Screening Booklet, the Polygraph Examination, the Formal Application for Employment, and any other documents/processes associated with the Cadet Selection Procedures.
• Substance abuse/use within a prescribed time frame and/or that is beyond what is considered experimental by the Idaho State Police.
• Criminal arrests/behavior which would not reflect well on the Idaho State Police.

The core purpose of the Idaho State Police is to seek justice, preserve peace, and improve the quality of life for all.  As such, the Department has established the core values of Honor, Service, Integrity, Respect, Trust, Courage, and Duty, and is seeking applicants who possess these traits and conduct themselves accordingly.  Certain issues within a person’s background have been identified which will result in automatic disqualification, including but not limited to:  criminal conduct (actual arrest and/or admission of behavior whether or not arrested) and substance abuse.

A preliminary determination will be made by the Idaho State Police based upon information supplied; therefore, applicants must be forthright and honest in documenting their conduct.  Be advised that this preliminary determination is not binding as it is made based upon information provided by the applicant only.  Should an applicant continue in the selection process, the conduct will then be discussed and documented with an Idaho State Police Officer.

Applicants are advised that all information provided to the Idaho State Police is to contain no misrepresentation, falsification, omissions, or concealment of material fact and that, upon submission of any official document (on-line or otherwise), applicants swear or affirm that all information provided is true, complete, and correct to the best of their knowledge and belief.  Applicants are further advised that all information provided is subject to later investigation.

Physical Readiness Test – Minimum standards to pass the Physical Fitness Test require the ability to:

• Vertical Jump :
  This test measures leg power, which is important in jumping or vaulting objects such as walls and ditches, and in moving heavy objects such as people.
• One Minute Sit-Ups
  This test measures the muscular endurance of the abdominal muscles. This is important for performing tasks that involve the use of force, and it helps maintain good posture and minimize lower back problems. Perform this test on a mat or carpeted surface.
• Maximum Push-Ups
  This test measures the muscular endurance of the upper body muscles in the shoulders, chest, and back of the upper arms (the extensors). This is important for use of force involving any pushing motion.
• 300-Meter Run
  This is a test of anaerobic capacity, which is important for performing short intense bursts of effort such as foot pursuits, rescues and use of force situations.
• 1.5-Mile Run/Walk
  This test is a measure of cardiorespiratory endurance or aerobic power, which is determined by the body’s ability to transport and utilize oxygen to produce energy. This is important for performing tasks involving stamina and endurance (pursuits, searches, prolonged use of force situations, etc.) and for minimizing the risk of cardiovascular health problems

NOTE:  The eligibility requirements are subject to change at any time.