Louisiana POST Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Age: Usually at least 18–21 years of age at appointment, depending on agency policy.
• Education: High school diploma or GED at minimum; some agencies may require college credits.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen.
• Driver license: Valid driver’s license (often Louisiana) with an acceptable driving record.
• Criminal history: No felony convictions and no disqualifying misdemeanors; must meet Louisiana POST Council standards and be eligible to possess firearms.
• Other requirements:
  • Pass a thorough background investigation including criminal, employment, and character history.
  • Pass a medical examination and psychological evaluation confirming fitness for law enforcement duties.
  • Pass drug screening as required by the hiring agency.
  • Pass a physical fitness assessment consistent with academy and agency standards.
  • Successfully complete a Louisiana POST-approved basic law enforcement training academy and required firearms qualification.
  • Meet any continuing education and in-service training requirements for POST certification maintenance.

Physical Fitness Standards

Louisiana POST requires that cadets be physically capable of completing basic training and job tasks; physical training and firearms qualification are integral parts of the basic academy, and many academies use Cooper-style or job-task-based fitness tests.

• Timed run or similar aerobic endurance test.
• Push-ups, sit-ups, or other repetition-based strength and endurance events.
• Defensive tactics and control-technique drills that involve striking, grappling, and ground-fighting.
• Job-task simulations such as dummy drags, obstacle courses, and sprint drills.

Specific numeric fitness standards can vary by academy and are periodically updated. Louisiana also mandates annual in-service training with required hours in firearms, defensive tactics/officer survival, legal updates, and electives, which indirectly reinforces ongoing fitness and skills.

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 450

Louisiana’s basic peace officer training requirement is at least about 450 hours of academy instruction as recognized by the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council. The curriculum addresses criminal and traffic law, patrol procedures, investigations, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, first aid, and scenario-based exercises. Many academies exceed the minimum hours, and officers must also complete ongoing in-service training after certification.

Reference: Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training Council – basic training standards and the nationwide minimum training hours memo listing Louisiana’s basic training minimum at approximately 450 hours.

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

Louisiana POST offers limited certification by equivalency for officers trained and certified in other states, federal agencies, or the military when their training and experience meet Louisiana standards.

• Provide documentation of prior basic law enforcement academy training and sworn experience for POST Council evaluation.
• Complete any Louisiana-specific training modules required by POST, such as state law and procedure updates.
• Successfully qualify with firearms and demonstrate proficiency in essential skills as required by POST.
• Meet Louisiana’s background, medical, and moral character standards, including any required psychological assessments.

Reciprocity is not guaranteed; applications are reviewed case-by-case by the Louisiana POST Council. Officers should consult current POST Council guidance and forms before applying for equivalency.

POST Contact Information

Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST Council)
P.O. Box 3133
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3133
Phone: 225-925-3511
Website: https://lcle.la.gov

Official POST Requirements:
https://lcle.la.gov/programs/post-council/