Minimum eligibility standards for Federal law enforcement officers

(a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to ensure that individuals entrusted with Federal law enforcement authority meet rigorous, uniform eligibility standards that promote professionalism, protect public safety, safeguard fellow officers, and ensure faithful enforcement of the Constitution of the United States. (b) Minimum eligibility requirements An individual may not be appointed to a position as a Federal law enforcement officer unless the following conditions are met: (1) Citizenship and legal status The individual— (A) is a citizen of the United States; and (B) is legally eligible to possess and carry a firearm. (2) Medical and physical readiness The individual— (A) successfully completes a comprehensive pre-employment medical examination; (B) meets the minimum standards established by the Guidance for the Medical Evaluation of Law Enforcement Officers issued by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine that are necessary to safely and effectively perform law enforcement duties, including standards for vision, hearing, and mobility; and (C) passes a pre-employment physical fitness assessment immediately prior to appointment. (3) Drug-free workplace The individual— (A) passes a pre-employment drug screening; and (B) agrees to random drug testing as a condition of employment. (4) Background and suitability The individual— (A) successfully completes a Single Scope Background Investigation (commonly known as an SSBI) or successor background investigation; (B) agrees to periodic background reinvestigations; and (C) demonstrates suitability, integrity, and reliability consistent with Federal law enforcement standards. (5) Firearms and duty readiness The individual— (A) agrees to carry a service handgun as required; and (B) agrees to qualify on required firearms not less frequently than twice annually. (6) Professional obligations The individual— (A) agrees to provide sworn statements and courtroom testimony as required; and (B) agrees to comply with ethical standards, appearance standards, and conduct requirements applicable to Federal law enforcement officers. (c) Age requirements An individual shall be not less than 21 years of age and not more than 36 years of age at the time of appointment to a position as a Federal law enforcement officer. (d) Education and experience qualifications (1) In general (A) In general An individual may not be appointed to a position as a Federal law enforcement officer unless the individual has, at a minimum— (i) a bachelor’s degree; or (ii) a high school diploma or general educational development (commonly known as GED) certificate and not less than 4 years of general experience. (B) General experience For purposes of subparagraph (A)(ii), the term general experience — (i) means experience through which an individual has developed analytical and problem-solving abilities, ethical judgment, planning abilities, and communication skills; and (ii) includes experience in administrative, clerical, technical, or military work that involves— (I) protecting property, equipment, data, or materials; or (II) making judgments based on the application of directions, rules, regulations, or laws. (2) Accreditation Academic credentials from an institution of higher education may not be used to satisfy the requirement under paragraph (1)(A)(i) unless the credentials were awarded by an institution of a higher education— (A) accredited by an agency or association recognized by the Secretary of Education pursuant to section 496 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1099b); or (B) in a foreign country that has been determined by the Secretary of Education to be equivalent to an institution of higher education described in subparagraph (A). (e) Online presence As part of the evaluation and suitability assessment of an individual for appointment to a position as a Federal law enforcement officer, a Federal law enforcement agency shall review the online presence of the individual for information that demonstrates— (1) a lack of integrity and ethical judgment; (2) a disregard for safety and preservation of life; or (3) ineligibility pursuant to section 6 or 7 of this Act.