Photo of Wilmington Police Academy recruits.
Photo of officers participating in recreational activities at the Wilmington Police Academy.
Photo of the color guard in procession during the Wilmington Police Academy ceremony.

Thank you to all those who have applied to join the 102nd Wilmington Police Academy!

The application process has now closed. 


The following documents must be provided:

  • Copy of an unexpired Driver's License
  • Copy of Birth certificate
  • Copy of Diploma(s) or Transcripts for ALL education listed
  • Copy of DD Form 214, if applicable

All questions must be answered. If the question does not apply to you, indicate such by marking N/A in the appropriate area. To furnish additional information, use a blank sheet of paper the same size as the application.

Applicants must be 21 years of age or older at the time of appointment, and must begin the police academy on a date no later than their 37th birthday.

More About the Application Process

As an applicant, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • All appointments are probationary for a period of eighteen (18) months, during which time you must demonstrate your fitness for continued employment by the Department of Police.
  • This position includes working a rotating shift that encompasses nights, weekends, and holidays of which you must be available for such assignments.
  • You must be a resident of the City of Wilmington within six (6) months from the date of hire.
  • Any employment is contingent upon the results of a complete character and fitness investigation, and you must be aware that willfully withholding information or making false statements on the application will be the basis for dismissal from the department.
  • You must agree to these conditions and certify that all statements are true to the best of your knowledge. Your signature on the application indicates such agreement.
  • Any doubts you have concerning the meaning or applicability of the questions and statements forming this application are to be directed to the Department of Human Resources prior to submitting the completed application.

The Wilmington Police Department is an internationally accredited police department and an equal opportunity employer.

Physical Ability Test

The physical ability test is designed to assess an applicant's basic physical condition, as well as to assess the applicant's ability to meet or exceed minimal standards in all phases of police work. The test consists of three (3) muscular endurance components and one (1) aerobic endurance component. The applicant will be required to meet or exceed the below listed minimum standards for each component of the test; failure to meet the below listed minimum standard for any component of this test will result in the applicant's failure of the physical ability test, thus, the applicant will be eliminated from the process.

Download the Physical ability test release form for complete details on each endurance test listed here.

Push-up Test

  Age 20-29 Age 30-36
Male 22 17
Female 10 8

Sit-up Test

  Age 20-29 Age 30-36
Male 33 30
Female 24 20

Vertical Jump Test

  Age 20-29 Age 30-36
Male 17.5" 16.5"
Female 12.6" 11"

1.5 Mile Run Test

  Age 20-29 Age 30-36
Male 13:58 14:33
Female 17:11 18:18

Paper Option

To apply for 102nd Wilmington Police Academy using the paper option:

  • Mail your application package to:

    Department of Human Resources
    Louis L. Redding City/County Building
    800 N. French Street, 4th Floor
    Wilmington, Delaware 19801; or

  • Drop off your application package no later than Friday, March 31 at 4:30 p.m. to:

    Department of Human Resources
    Louis L. Redding City/County Building
    800 N. French Street, 4th Floor
    Wilmington, Delaware 19801

For your convenience, the paper option is a fillable PDF form, but portions of the application must be filled out by hand. Remember to review your application before submitting it to be sure it is filled out completely, initialed, and signed.

If you choose to download the application and fill it out by hand, it must be typed or clearly printed in ink.