YOU MUST meet all of the following requirements to apply to be a police officer with the Downingtown Police Department::

• Mentally and Physically Fit
• U.S. Citizen
• 21 Years Old
• High School Diploma or GED
• College Credits*
• Valid Driver’s License

*Applicants must possess a minimum of 30 college credits from an accredited institution of higher education at the time of appointment unless they qualify for one of the following waivers that ELIMINATE or REDUCE the 30-semester credit hour requirement. Only one waiver per candidate, as follows, is allowed:

MILITARY SERVICE

• Any applicant with at least two years of active military duty and an Honorable Discharge will be granted a waiver of 15 college credits regardless of previous law enforcement experience or certification status.

CERTIFIED APPLICANTS

• Applicants with current certification as a police officer (Act 120 or equivalent) and at least four full years of full-time experience are not required to have college credits.
• Applicants with current certification as a police officer (Act 120 or equivalent) and less than four years of experience as a full-time officer or at least one year of service as a part-time police officer will be granted a waiver of 15 college credits.

NON-CERTIFIED APPLICANTS

• Applicants who have completed Act 120 training (approved MPOETC academy) but have yet to be certified will be granted a waiver of 15 college credits.
• Applicants without police academy training (Act 120 or equivalent) who have at least two full years of law enforcement related - experience will be granted a waiver of 15 college credits. “Law enforcement related experience” encompasses occupations such as Deputy Sheriff, Juvenile Officer, County or State Park Ranger, Probation or Parole Officer, Liquor Enforcement Officer, or Corrections Officer. The Chief of Police will determine relevant law enforcement experience on a case-by-case basis.