Police Training Requirements May 2026

Averages 52 hours post-academy, ranging from 0 to 960 hours depending on the state.

Officers typically must complete ~21 hours of continuing education annually to maintain certification. 📚 Curriculum & Content

Training is generally managed by a state's commission. police training requirements

Heavy emphasis on firearms, driving, and arrest techniques.

~650 to 840 hours (approx. 21 weeks). State Extremes: Maryland: ~1,168 hours (highest). Oregon/Georgia: ~400 hours (lowest). Averages 52 hours post-academy, ranging from 0 to

Most academies use a focusing on discipline and physical hard skills.

Critics and task forces often cite a lack of training in de-escalation, communication, and mental health crisis response. Averages 52 hours post-academy

Some states are beginning to require specific training in bias awareness and de-escalation to reduce use-of-force incidents. State Law Enforcement Training Requirements