Civilians or sworn police officers may attend Phase I training. Cadets must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be citizens or lawful residents of the United States
  2. Not have been convicted of a felony
  3. Possess either a high school or high school equivalency (HSE) diploma

There are no minimum or maximum age requirements for cadets. However, it should be noted that pursuant to §58 of the Civil Service Law, a candidate seeking permanent appointment to a police officer title must be twenty years of age as of the date of appointment, and not more than thirty-five years of age as of the date when the applicant takes the written examination. Time spent on military duty or on terminal leave, not exceeding a total of six years, shall be subtracted from the age of any applicant who has passed his or her thirty-fifth birthday.