Prospective applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• Citizenship – Applicant must be a United States citizen.
• Age – Applicants must reach their 21st birthday prior to completion of the Academy training.  Applicant’s must not have reached their 35th birthday by the date of hire (typically the first day of academy training). Will you be 21 within 1 year of submitting your application. Dates of academy may vary*
• Education – High School Graduate. All applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school or possess a G.E.D. and be able to provide proof of graduation. The Dover Police Department does not require a college degree in order to receive appointment as a Police Officer. College level coursework in law enforcement, i.e., Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Business, Administration, Political Science, or Counseling is preferred.
• Residence – No requirement when submitting an application. Officers, upon completion of training, are required to live within the State of Delaware or within a reasonable distance of a connecting state, as determined by the Chief.
• Driver’s License – Possess a valid driver's license at the time of appointment appropriate to their residency.
• Criminal Record and Activity – Adult criminal conviction or juvenile delinquent finding without a pardon or expungement as well as any pending criminal investigation or charge. A crash-related Driving Under the Influence conviction within the previous 5 years or a non-crash conviction within previous 3 years.
• Drug Usage – The following is automatic disqualification:
  • Having used a mind-altering drug (including THC), non-prescribed controlled substance, or any kind of synthetic or designer drug after filing an application for employment.
  • Have a history or pattern of extensive use or abuse of controlled substance or history of extensive use or abuse of alcohol without corresponding evidence of rehabilitation.
  • Have manufactured, delivered, or possessed with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance. Conviction not necessary.
• Vision – The applicant shall be examined by a licensed ophthalmologist and shall possess acuity of vision of not more than 20/200 correctable to 20/20 in each eye with soft contact lenses. The applicant shall have the ability to distinguish between the colors of red, green, and amber; and shall have no pathology of the eyes. Applicants shall also possess acceptable depth perception.