Rule 464-3-.02 - Qualifications for Certification: Pre-Employment Requirements(1) When initially accepted for employment or appointment by a law enforcement unit or communications agency, any candidate seeking certification under these Rules shall: (a) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age as evidenced by a certified copy of said candidate's birth certificate or other proof of birth acceptable to the Council.(b) Be a citizen of the United States or a repatriated or naturalized citizen of the United States as of the date employment commences as evidenced by a certified copy of said candidate's birth certificate or other certified proof of citizenship acceptable to the Council.(c) Have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent or an approved college degree indicating successful completion of high school. A recognized equivalent means a diploma awarded by any state on the basis of a General Education Development (GED) Test. If an applicant for certification is unable to document that the high school diploma was issued by an accredited school, successful completion of an examination provided or approved by the Council shall suffice. Documented non-accredited schools are not applicable under this rule.(d) Complete two (2) applicant fingerprint cards prior to commencement of employment as a peace officer in a law enforcement unit. All fingerprint cards shall be processed by the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the results returned to the Council.(e) Be found, after examination by a licensed physician or surgeon, to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental conditions which might adversely affect his/her exercising the powers or duties of a peace officer. Refer to POST Rule 464-3-.14 for additional requirements for law enforcement officers.(f) Successfully complete a job-related academy entrance examination approved by the Council in conformity with state and federal law (where applicable).(g) Not have been convicted by any state or by the federal government of any crime the punishment for which could have been imprisonment in the federal or state prison or institution nor have been convicted of sufficient misdemeanors to establish a pattern of disregard for the law, provided that, for purposes of this paragraph, violations of traffic laws and other offenses involving the operation of motor vehicles when the applicant has received a pardon shall not be considered.(h) Possess good moral character as determined by investigation under procedure established by the Council.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 464-3-.02
O.C.G.A. § 35-8-7(23).
Original Rule entitled "Equivalent Instruction" adopted. F. Feb. 12, 1971; eff. Mar. 4, 1971.Repealed: F. Sept. 2, 1975; eff. Sept. 22, 1975.Amended: New Rule entitled "Qualifications for Certification: Pre-Employment Requirements" adopted. F. Mar. 2, 1988; eff. Mar. 22, 1988.Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 19, 1998; eff. Apr. 8, 1998.Amended: F. Dec. 18, 2007; eff. Jan. 7, 2008.Amended: F. Jun. 15, 2011; eff. July 5, 2011.Amended: F. Jun. 19, 2012; eff. July 9, 2012.Amended: F. Sep. 21, 2020; eff. Oct. 11, 2020.