How to Become an Indiana State Police Officer

Indiana has an established process that police candidates must follow in order to be properly trained to effectively protect citizens. The necessary training to become an Indiana state police officer usually lasts between eight and twelve months. From the application to academy graduation, you must meet certain requirements to become a state police officer in Indiana.

• 1

  Meet the basic requirements. To be eligible for employment as a police officer in Indiana, you must be a U.S. citizen between 21 and 38 years old, have no misdemeanor or felony convictions, have a high school diploma or GED and a valid Indiana driver's license, and must not have a military dishonorable discharge.

• 2

  Submit an application for employment to your local police department. The application will include your work history, career goals and educational history.

• 3

  Take a written exam, if your application is accepted. Study guides are available through the Indiana State Police to assist you in preparing to pass the written exam.

• 4

  Schedule your oral interview. Once you pass the written exam, you'll be asked to interview with members of the police department.

• 5

  Pass a physical exam. You are required to take and pass a physical agility test. This test will help the department decide if you are in good enough physical condition to be a prospective officer for Indiana.

• 6

  Complete and pass rigorous testing, such as a background check, polygraph test, drug screening and medical and psychological assessments by various professionals.

• 7

  Apply to the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA). An Indiana police officer must complete basic academy training within one year of being sworn-in or lose their arresting powers. After being hired, you must complete a training board--certified 40-hour basic course before you can make arrests, conduct search and seizures or carry a handgun.

• 8

  Complete a 24-week basic training program with the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. Students are trained in the areas of investigation tools, physical tactics and firearms. Driving tests and written tests will be administered.

• 9

  Graduate from basic academy training. Begin your mandatory field training with your police department. Field training is designed to incorporate real-life situations (such as domestic violence situations) with academy training to improve and hone the skills of new Indiana police officers.