Prior to starting the application, please check our initial requirements:

Initial requirements for sworn employment with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) are established by the Indiana Code. The code requires that an applicant:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Be between 21 and 40 years old

• Have no felony convictions that have not been expunged

• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent

• Have no misdemeanor convictions of domestic violence that haven’t been expunged

• Possess a valid driver’s license

• Meet Indiana’s residency requirements (IC 36-8-4-2 Sec. 2)

• Have reliable transportation

• Maintain phone service for department communication

• Have no dishonorable discharge from the military

• Pass a mandatory drug screening test

If you meet the initial requirements, you’re ready to join our team, and the next step is to fill out an application!

• You may apply at age 20, as long as you will be at least 21 years old by the start date of the academy class you’re applying for. Applicants are eligible up to and including age 39, as long as they have not turned 40 by the start date of the academy. 

• Beginning on day one of academy, you are paid the first-year salary. There is no fee to attend our academy.

• Domestic violence misdemeanors must be expunged. Also, you cannot have a felony conviction that has not been expunged. 

• While we can’t share the exact content of the test, all applicants will receive a study guide by email about two weeks before the exam. The test is designed to assess basic knowledge and essential skills.

•  Testing is only offered on the scheduled dates. If you’re unavailable on those days, you’ll need to reapply for consideration in the next recruit class. 

• The process takes approximately 3-6 months

• Once you have successfully completed the IMPD screening process, you will be sworn in as a recruit officer and begin your training at the IMPD Law Enforcement Training Academy.

• The training program lasts for 26 weeks, during which you will receive a total of 932 hours of training.

• No, recruits must complete all courses in the academy and are not allowed to hold outside employment during the training period.

• You will participate in a variety of physical activities, including:

  • Driving emergency vehicles
  • Practicing handcuffing, baton, and weapon retention techniques
  • Qualifying with both a handgun and shotgun
  • Running, jumping, wrestling, and being thrown to the ground
  • Participating in water rescue activities
  • Role-playing various job-related scenarios that require strength, agility, and endurance.

• The Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) has developed a new, functional fitness test designed to better prepare future officers for the actual demands of the job. The new test consists of a tactical obstacle course featuring elements such as a 4-foot fence climb, a 185-pound dummy drag, a stair climb, and simulating firing a gun. The Functional Fitness Test entrance standard time is 4:08 and the exit standard time is 3:58.