The Tennessee State Police Department is the premier police force of the state, working to ensure complete maintenance of law and order. The department is active 24/7 in its quest to protect the life and liberty of all residents of Tennessee. The hard-working men and women of the Tennessee Police Department are fully committed to protect the state’s citizens from all sorts of criminal and unlawful activities while ensuring that a peaceful environment is available for everyone.

Steps to Become a Police Officer in Tennessee

After fulfilling the basic criteria, you must go through some stages in order to become a Tennessee police officer. These are given below.

Step 1: Locate all police departments in Tennessee that are currently inducting new officers and submit your employment application online.

Step 2: After the initial screening process and background checks are completed, you will be asked to take a physical test. The purpose of this test is to assess your physical suitability and fitness to wear the uniform.

Step 3: Fulfill all educational requirements. You must possess at least the minimum qualification needed to become a Tennessee police officer.

Step 4: Undergo a thorough medical and psychological evaluation.

Step 5: Clear the polygraph test.

Step 6: Undergo complete background scrutiny.

Step 7: Your final selection will depend on successful completion of all stages.

Requirements to Become a Tennessee Police Officer

The following criteria must be fulfilled in order to become a Tennessee police officer.

  • You must be a legal citizen of the US, either by birth or through naturalization. You must also be a resident/citizen of the state of Tennessee.
  • You must be at least 18 years old when applying to become a police officer in Tennessee.
  • You must have a valid driving license of the state of Tennessee.
  • You need to have at least a Tennessee High School Diploma or an equivalent certificate from the GED (General Educational Development).
  • You must not be a convicted felon either in Tennessee or any other American state.

Duration to Become a Tennessee Police Officer

You must undergo the Tennessee Police Academy training for about 6 months (22 weeks) whereas the whole process of becoming a police officer, from the time you initiate your application to the moment you complete your training, will take 2 years.

Salary of a Police Officer in Tennessee

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the United States, the annual mean wage of a police and sheriff’s patrol officer in Tennessee is $44,320 as per 2017.