The selection process for New Castle County police officers is a highly competitive one. A successful candidate must possess:
- Good social skills and general intelligence
- Good powers of observation and memory
- Good judgment
- Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Excellent moral character and cardiovascular and physical condition

Requirements
- U.S. Citizen
- High School Diploma or GED
- Valid Drivers License
- At least 21 years old by the completion of the academy
You Must Also Meet One of the Following:
- Associate’s Degree or at least sixty (60) credit hours from an accredited college or university in which you were enrolled and received a GPA.
- At least two (2) cumulative years of active military service with the Armed Services of the United States with an honorable discharge and thirty (30) credit hours from an accredited college or university.
- Supervisory rank of E5, its equivalent or above at time of discharge, in the Armed Services of the United States with an honorable discharge; or at least four (4) cumulative years of active military service with the Armed Services of the United States with an honorable discharge and two (2) years of full-time work experience;
- Five (5) consecutive years of progressively responsible work experience that demonstrate the applicant’s ability to meet the required knowledge, skills and abilities of the position.
- A current Delaware Council on Police Training (C.O.P.T) certified police officer with two (2) years full time police experience and thirty (30) credit hours from an accredited college or university.
- A current out of state certified police officer with two (2) years full time police experience and thirty (30) credit hours from an accredited college or university.
While the department will attempt to consider individual circumstances during the hiring process, dishonesty will result in immediate disqualification.