How to Become a Police Officer in Oklahoma

Who can apply

• Be 21 years of age (70 O.S. 3311).
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or resident alien status.
• Have a high school diploma or a GED equivalency certificate.
• OSBI and FBI fingerprint searches showing no felony record.
• No conviction for a felony, a crime involving moral turpitude or a crime of domestic violence, unless fully pardoned.
• Not be in a deferred sentence agreement for a felony, crime of moral turpitude or domestic violence crime, and have no pending criminal charges.
• Pass a psychological evaluation by an Oklahoma-licensed psychologist finding you suitable to serve as a peace officer.
• Not be currently undergoing treatment for a mental illness, condition or disorder as defined in the statute, and not be under a CLEET revocation, suspension or voluntary surrender order.

Step by step

1. Get hired by an Oklahoma law enforcement agency, which runs your background investigation and psychological evaluation (or apply to a CLEET academy as a non-commissioned student).
2. Within 90 days of hire and before academy admission, score at least 70% on a CLEET-approved reading and writing test (POSSE or the National Police Officer Selection Test).
3. Score at least 70% on the CLEET Test for Safe Participation (physical assessment) before entering the CLEET academy in Ada.
4. Complete the 600-hour Basic Peace Officer Certification Academy, including its graded firearms, driving and defensive tactics tests.
5. Pass the certification test at the end of the academy.
6. Be certified within six months of appointment, or you forfeit the position.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: State law requires a basic police academy of at least 600 hours for full-time officers (240 hours for reserves). CLEET's full-time academy at the K.O. Rayburn Training Center in Ada runs about 16 weeks in residence. It covers criminal and traffic law, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, first aid, domestic violence and sexual assault response, SFST, radar, and more. State law requires at least 4 hours on recognizing and managing people who appear to need mental health treatment. A reserve officer with six months of active service can attend a 360-hour academy to become a full-time officer.

Exam: Each academy ends with a certification test. Cadets must also meet a minimum firearms qualifying score and pass comprehensive written exams in driving, firearms and defensive tactics. Before admission you need 70% on a CLEET-approved reading and writing test and 70% on the Test for Safe Participation (four attempts allowed, no more than two per day).

What it costs in Oklahoma

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

How long it takes

The full-time academy runs about four months (about 16 weeks in residence).

Keeping your certification

Renewal: Every active full-time certified officer must complete at least 25 hours of CLEET-accredited continuing training each year, including 2 hours on mental health issues (70 O.S. 3311.4). Reserve officers need 8 hours, including 1 hour on mental health. CLEET also requires regular training on sexual assault response.

Good to know in Oklahoma

Six-month deadline: A newly appointed officer who is not yet certified holds the job only temporarily and must qualify within six months of appointment or forfeit the position. Service counts cumulatively from your first appointment with any Oklahoma department. The Council may extend the deadline for good cause, and your agency must withhold your pay if you work past it without qualifying.

Self-sponsored academy: CLEET may train people who are not yet hired. Your certification takes effect when an Oklahoma agency employs you, and employment and certification must happen within two years of finishing the academy.

Out-of-state, federal and military officers: Officers certified by another state's POST, a recognized federal agency, or a comparable military police program can apply for reciprocity if they worked full time within the past five years. You must finish approved reciprocity training (and a bridge academy if required) within six months of your Oklahoma hire date and pass the certification exam (one retest).

Returning after five years: Oklahoma officers out of active service for five or more years must complete CLEET refresher training, including at least 4 hours of mental health training, within one year of employment, and pass an exam at 80% (one retake within 10 business days).

Sources

• CLEET - Peace Officers & Training
• CLEET - Academy & Basic Schedule
• CLEET - Physical Test for Safe Participation
• CLEET - Reading, Writing, & Comprehension Test
• CLEET - Over Five & Reciprocity
• Oklahoma Statutes Title 70 (70 O.S. 3311, 3311.4, 3311.18) - Oklahoma Legislature