When could African Americans become police officers?

African Americans began serving as police officers in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, although their involvement was limited and often restricted to segregated units. The first African American police officer is often credited to have been hired in 1861 in Washington, D.C. However, widespread integration and acceptance into police forces did not occur until the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, which pushed for racial equality in various professions, including law enforcement. Progress has continued since then, but disparities and challenges remain in many areas.