Lateral Police Officer - Join MPD

Question: I have less than three years of police experience – can I apply as a lateral police officer?

Answer: Yes, an officer with less than three years of police experience can be accepted as a lateral officer as long as they have 45 college credits* or at least 2 years of active duty military service.

* Applicants with at least 45 credits are eligible to apply. Through our partnership with the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), you can receive an additional 15 credits for completing the Metropolitan Police Academy. This opportunity allows you to meet the 60-credit requirement. Applicants who participate in this program will also enroll in at least one UDC college course of at least one credit hour at no cost to the applicant and with no effect on the 15 credits received for completing the Academy.

Question: I have less than three years of police experience and I do not have two years of military or 45 college credits*, do I qualify as a lateral police officer?

Answer: No, lateral police officers must still meet the minimum requirements (60 college credits OR 3 years of law enforcement experience OR 2 years of active duty military service).

* Applicants with at least 45 credits are eligible to apply. Through our partnership with the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), you can receive an additional 15 credits for completing the Metropolitan Police Academy. This opportunity allows you to meet the 60-credit requirement. Applicants who participate in this program will also enroll in at least one UDC college course of at least one credit hour at no cost to the applicant and with no effect on the 15 credits received for completing the Academy.

Question: I was a police officer two years ago – do I qualify as a lateral?

Answer: No, lateral police officers must have served within the past 12 months in a position with duties to include primarily the investigation, apprehension, or detention of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of the United States of America or any state of the United States of America.

Question: What is the minimum amount of prior experience as a police officer to qualify as a lateral?

Answer: You must have at least one year of service to qualify for a lateral. You also need to have at least 45 college credits* OR two years of active duty military service.

* Applicants with at least 45 credits are eligible to apply. Through our partnership with the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), you can receive an additional 15 credits for completing the Metropolitan Police Academy. This opportunity allows you to meet the 60-credit requirement. Applicants who participate in this program will also enroll in at least one UDC college course of at least one credit hour at no cost to the applicant and with no effect on the 15 credits received for completing the Academy.

Question: Does the time I spent in the police academy count towards my prior police service?

Answer: Yes.

Question: I worked for two police departments. Can I add that time together to qualify?

Answer: No, you can only claim eligibility of prior law enforcement service from one agency.