What are the requirements to be a cop in Arkansas?

To become a cop in Arkansas, you generally need to be a U.S. citizen, 21+, a high school/GED grad, have a valid driver's license, pass extensive background checks (no felonies/domestic violence), medical/psychological exams, and a physical fitness test, then complete an approved academy, meeting standards from the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards & Training (CLEST).

How long is the police academy in Arkansas?

How long is your Basic Training Course? The Basic Police Training Course is 13 weeks.

What makes you qualified to be a cop?

Free of any felony convictions. Possess a valid California Driver's License. A high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited or approved institution.

Is becoming a cop hard?

But here's the truth: becoming a police officer today is one of the most demanding—and rewarding—career paths you can take. The process is rigorous, with extensive training, background checks, and emotional resilience required from day one.

What makes you ineligible to become a cop?

Committing a felony crime or any crime of moral turpitude, regardless if convicted, charged or officially reported to a police agency within the past 10 years. Select crimes are automatically disqualifying regardless of the time frame.

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How much does the police academy cost in Arkansas?

The cost to attend the program is $5,500 for students to attend the program at the Black River Technical College Law Enforcement Training Academy.

How much does AR Dot pay?

As of Jan 6, 2026, the average annual pay for a Dot in Arkansas is $45,726 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $21.98 an hour. This is the equivalent of $879/week or $3,810/month.

What will disqualify you from the police academy?

Failure to have a high school diploma, GED Certificate or successful completion of California High School Proficiency Test. Personality disorders. Does not meet physical standards. Failure to pass controlled substances screening.

What disqualifies you from being a police officer in Arkansas?

The applicant may be disqualified, if: The applicant has more than three (3) moving violations or two 920 at-fault accidents within the preceding 24-month period. The applicant has any DWI or DUID conviction during the preceding five (5) year period.

How fast do you have to run a mile for the police academy?

ACADEMY PHYSICAL TRAINING

After the warm up, recruits participate in a 2-5 mile run that starts at 10 minutes per mile and increases to 8 minutes per mile (end of academy). Runs are up and down hills as well as on flat ground. The runs are progressive both in distance and pace.

What disqualifies you from being a trooper?

In most forces, felony convictions, records of domestic violence, and serious misdemeanors can keep a person from becoming a police officer. Murder, rape, robbery, drug trafficking, and other crimes are immediate disqualifications and may even reveal criminal ties.

What is the physical test for becoming a cop?

You will be evaluated based on a standardized set of criteria. Minimum requirement standards are as follows: Push-Ups: 19 in two minutes or Dummy Drag: 25 feet in 15 seconds. 1.5 Mile Run: maximum time of 17 minutes and 30 seconds or 2 mile walk: maximum time of 32.00 minutes.

Is it easy to become a cop in Arkansas?

The demands and expectations placed on an Arkansas State Trooper are extraordinary. That's why the Arkansas State Police has some of the highest minimum standards required of any applicant who choose to enter a law enforcement career.

Do you get paid while in the police academy in Arkansas?

While at the academy, recruits are paid a full salary of a first-year officer. Upon graduation from the academy, the new officers begin an 18-week Field Training Program. This program is designed to give them on-the-job training with an experienced police officer and allow them to work on various patrol shifts.

At what age do most cops start?

Most police and detectives must graduate from their agency's training academy before completing on-the-job training. Other requirements vary, but candidates usually must be at least 21 years old and able to meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications.

What is the oldest age you can be a cop?

Therefore, the maximum age requirement is 37 years old. Some departments do not have maximum age requirements. Generally the minimum and maximum age requirements (if any) are posted on the vacancy announcement. Some exceptions to maximum age requirements are available for those with military service.

What stops me from being a cop?

Criminal history is a major factor in deciding whether you are appropriate to be hired as a police officer and felony convictions are the most significant. Lesser crimes, misdemeanors, can also be detrimental if they are related to honesty and especially if they are domestic abuse/violence crimes.

What does 1042 mean in police code?

Police officer retirement (North America)

Often when an officer retires, a call to dispatch is made. The officer gives a 10-7 code (Out of service) and then a 10-42 code (ending tour of duty).

What fails a police background check?

Unreported past crimes. Past or current gang affiliations. Poor employment record. Incorrect, false or incomplete information given on the application form.