Requires completion of the first police training academy, if selected. Must be at least 20.5 years old at the time of application and at the time of. Must be a U.S. citizen to be a Texas sworn agent. Lateral Entrants: For officers interested in the Lateral Entry Program, the following. Communicate with management/supervisory staff during emergency response and critical incidents; inspect and maintain the police vehicles assigned to him, the uniform,. Is required to carry and use firearms in the course of service as a sworn police officer. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Non-certified officer candidates must participate in a Florida Criminal Justice Entry Level training program (Police Academy) selected by the department. No, if you are hired as a police officer, the city will pay your academy and you will also receive the full salary of the police officers during the academy training.