Do you have to have a partner as a rookie cop?

Question

is it mandatory? if so, for how long?

Answer 1

What most departments do is called an FTO program.  During the probatitonary period between graduating from the academy and the end of probation you will usually be required to be observed by a senior officer.  The senior officer "grades" you and at the end of the FTO program will make a recomendation for you to stay as part of the force, or to be let go...

Ask the department you're specifically looking into this question!  This is a pretty good question for them!