What must all prospective officers complete before being assigned to official law enforcement duties?

All prospective officers must complete an Academy Program and Field Training Program before being assigned to official law enforcement duties. This requirement ensures that recruits receive comprehensive training that covers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for effective police work.

The Academy Program typically includes instruction on legal procedures, ethics, community engagement, and law enforcement techniques, while the Field Training Program focuses on applying this knowledge in real-world situations under the guidance of experienced officers. Together, these programs ensure that candidates are well-prepared to handle the responsibilities of law enforcement and serve their communities effectively and safely.

While background checks, psychological evaluations, and final assessments are important components of the approval process for candidates, they do not provide the same level of practical training and preparation that the Academy and Field Training Programs offer. Therefore, completing these training programs is critical before an officer is cleared for active duty.