Police Officer Qualifications

Got what it takes? If you do not meet the minimum eligibility standards outlined below, you cannot be considered for a police officer position in Rehoboth Beach.

Age & Citizenship

• Applicant must by a United States citizen. 
• Applicant must reach their 21st birthday prior to completion of the training academy. 
• Applicant must be a full-time Delaware resident by completion of the training academy. 
• Applicant must possess a valid Delaware driver’s license by completion of the training academy. 
• Applicants with prior military service must have been honorably discharged and/or have a record of positive conduct during military service.

Health & Wellness

• Applicants must have no impediment of the senses.
• Applicants must have acuity of vision not more than 20/200 corrected to 20/20 in each eye.
• Applicants must have the ability to distinguish between the colors of red, green, and amber; shall have no pathology of the eyes; and possess acceptable depth perception.
• Applicants must possess normal hearing in both ears per current standards.
• Applicants must not have any physical deformities that would be detrimental to proper performance of police duties.
• Applicant's weight must be proportionate to height and build or body fat percentage.

Physical Fitness

Applicants must be able to achieve minimum standards during fitness testing as outlined below

Education

Applicant must be a high school graduate. All applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school or possess a GED and be able to provide proof of graduation.

The Rehoboth Beach 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.

Criminal History

• A felony or domestic violence conviction automatically disqualifies candidates.
• Any criminal activity that would be considered a felony under federal law in the state in which the activity occurred is a disqualification.
• Any arrest or conviction that indicates a pattern of disregard for the law and/or frequent behavior of an undesirable nature may result in disqualification.
• Any commitments for a mental disorder to any hospital, mental institution, or sanitarium that would prevent an applicant from possessing a deadly weapon (firearm) as provided in section 1448, Title 11, of the Delaware criminal code is a disqualification.
• Any arrest or conviction for any other crime and/or offense is subject to review at the time the application is submitted.
• Any arrest for an offense must be expunged and any conviction of an offense must be pardoned prior to submitting an application.

Drug Usage 

• Any use of mind-altering hallucinogenic drugs, such as LSD, PCP, heroin or any of its derivatives is an automatic disqualification.
• Any use of an illegal drug within one year prior to submitting an application is an automatic disqualification.
• Excessive experimental use of marijuana and/or more than two uses of cocaine or their derivatives may result in disqualification.
• The sale or delivery of any non-narcotic or narcotic-controlled substance, as defined in Title 16 of the Delaware criminal code, after the age of 21 will be an automatic disqualification. 
• All other drug use, including illegal use of prescribed drugs, is subject to review at the time the application is submitted.
• Any use of a controlled substance after having filed an application for employment as a police officer may result in a disqualification.
• Applicants must pass a drug-screening test prior to appointment or attendance of a police training academy.

Driving History

• A DUI conviction within the previous five years is an automatic disqualification.
• Any motor vehicle conviction for failing to stop at the command of a police officer, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, criminal negligence resulting in death, homicide, or assault will result in an automatic disqualification. 
• Any driving record/history that indicates poor, dangerous, or otherwise undesirable driving habits may result in disqualification.
• Any driving record/history that indicates that the operation of an automobile by the applicant may endanger the safety of the public may result in disqualification. 
• Any driving record/history that indicates that the applicant has been found to use narcotics or other drugs or alcoholic beverages that impairs their ability to operate a motor vehicle may result in disqualification. 
• Any license suspension or revocation within three years of the closing date of the job announcement is an automatic disqualification.
• Any alcohol-related driving arrests and overall driving history will be subject to review at the time the application is submitted.

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