Delaware POST Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Age: Typically at least 21 years old at appointment for full-time law enforcement officers.
• Education: High school diploma or GED minimum; many agencies require additional college credits.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen.
• Driver license: Valid driver’s license required.
• Criminal history: No felony convictions; must meet moral character standards of the Delaware Police Officer Standards and Training Commission (POSTC). :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Other requirements:
  • Pass a comprehensive background investigation including criminal, employment and reference checks.
  • Pass medical, vision/hearing, psychological and drug screening.
  • Complete the Delaware POSTC-approved basic recruit training of at least 584 hours. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Physical Fitness Standards

Delaware POSTC requires cadets to meet physical fitness and ability benchmarks as part of academy admission and graduation; specifics are academy-documented. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

• Push-ups in one minute
• Sit-ups in one minute
• 1.5-mile run or equivalent aerobic event
• Agility/obstacle based job-task events
• Drives and vehicle operations blocks

The required 584-hour curriculum covers defensive tactics, fitness blocks, firearms and driving; cadets must demonstrate competency in physical performance and job tasks.

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 584

Delaware Police Officer Standards & Training Commission lists 584 hours as minimum recruit training for all police officer appointments (excluding seasonal). :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Reference: Delaware POSTC – Minimum Recruit Training Curriculum.

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

Delaware POSTC allows certification via reciprocity/equivalency for officers from other states who meet the training and service standards.

• Submit prior academy transcripts and sworn service to POSTC for equivalency review.
• Complete any Delaware-specific training modules or exams as required.
• Meet Delaware background, fitness, medical, and agency hiring standards.

Reciprocity is evaluated case-by-case; candidates should contact Delaware POSTC for current guidance.

POST Contact Information

Delaware Police Officer Standards & Training Commission (POSTC)
🮂 (Detail – via Department of Safety & Homeland Security)
Website: https://post.delaware.gov

Official POST Requirements:
https://post.delaware.gov/training/index.shtml?dc=minimum