In the State of South Carolina, there are certain requirements that must be met in order to be certified as a police officer.  These are:

*  You must be at least 21 years of age;

*  You must have a clear driving record;

*  You must have a high school diploma or GED;

*  You must have a clear criminal history;

*  You must be a U.S. Citizen.

You can pick up an application at the Police Department or download the application from the City Hall website.  You should attach a copy of your birth certificate, social security card, driver's license, DD-214's if you are prior military, copy of diploma or GED, 10 year credit history, and 10 year driver's history from DMV. These documents should be certified as authentic copies. You should also attach a recent color photograph for identification purposes.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

*  Must be 21 years of age
*  Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
*  Must be a U.S. Citizen
*  Must have basic computer skills
*  Must have a valid S.C. driver’s license and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle under normal and emergency situations, sometimes at high speeds, in fair and inclement weather
*  Must not have a disqualifying incident on driving record such as driving under the influence of alcohol or dangerous drugs, reckless homicide, involuntary manslaughter or leaving the scene of an accident, etc.

*  Must be able to physically restrain another individual
*  Must be able to physically defend oneself
*  Must be able to maintain focus and mental preparedness of shifts of 12-14 hours
*  Must be able to load a weapon as well as safely and accurately fire a semi-automatic weapon
*  Must be able to successfully pass a medical exam to include vision, hearing, and color blindness to S.C. Criminal Justice Academy standards
*  Must be able to see well in a low light environment
*  Must be able to pass a drug test
*  Must be able to pass a polygraph exam
*  Must be able to pass a psychological test to establish suitability for the demands and stresses of law enforcement employment
*  Must have a satisfactory credit history
*  Must be of good moral character as determined by a background investigation
*  Must be able to successfully pass a physical agility test that includes the ability to run, climb, jump, lift, and drag heavy weight (over 100 lbs.) within standards and times established by the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy.
*  Must have good communication skills
*  Must have no convictions for crimes of moral turpitude as defined in law
*  Must be able to tolerate exposure to extreme heat, cold, humidity and inclement weather

*  Must be able to work varying shifts

Applicants will be required to complete a personal questionnaire and provide certified copies of driver's license, social security card, birth certificate, high school diploma or GED, credit history, DD 214, and 10 year driving history in all states in which licensed. Applicants will also be required to submit a recent color photograph.  Some of these items are necessary to verify identity and to conduct a thorough background investigation.