Know your state requirements. Each state has different laws pertaining to what are the minimum requirements for someone to become a police officer. Some states require a person to be 21, others 18; some require only a high school diploma while others require a college degree.
Then there are the agency specific requirements. Some agencies have stricter requirements than others do. Some require that an applicant have a clean arrest record. Some allow for minor charges. Check with the state and particularly the agency you are wanting to apply to.
