Police

Becoming a Police Officer in Nashville

** We are always hiring **

The Colors of Our Community

Employment Standards

  • Two years (60 Semester hours) of general academic studies from an accredited college or university with an overall Grade Point Average of 2.0 ("C" Average) on a 4.0 scale. Hours for remedial courses will not be counted. No more than two (2) transcripts will be evaluated. The cumulative hours and Grade Point Average (GPA) must appear on the transcript. Candidates must submit "official" transcripts that meet Metro's Educational Standards. At least one half of the total hours must be taken in residence, no more than half may be earned in non-traditional credits.

    OR

    Applicant must have at least 2 years of active military duty and possess a high school diploma or GED. Must not have been released or discharged under other than Honorable from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.

    OR

    Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and documentation of a minimum of 2 years full-time law enforcement experience in a patrol capacity with a certification from Tennessee P.O.S.T. or equivalent State certification board.

    OR

    Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and have 5 years of responsible work experience.


    AND
  • Must be a minimum of 21 years of age. (May apply 2 (two) months prior to your 21st birthday).
  • The Distant Visual Acuity in each eye must be no worse than 20/100 (Snellen) uncorrected, corrected 20/20 in the better eye and 20/30 in the other eye. Binocular vision must be at 20 feet. Must have normal depth perception. Must have normal color vision.
  • Valid "Class D" Driver's License.
  • Citizen of the United States.
  • Have not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge or to any violations of any federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor or controlled substance.
  • Your driving record will be considered part of the background investigation for this position. Multiple offenses and/or chargeable accidents are grounds for disqualification or removal from the eligibility register.
  • Honorable discharge from Military Service (if applicable).
  • The medical requirements for enlistment or appointment to either the Army or Navy are the basis for physical suitability at the time of appointment.
  • Meet standards set by the Tennessee Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly on June 24, 1983, T.C.A. 38-8-106.

Previous Drug Use Criteria

  • Marijuana use will be viewed in the context of the applicant’s age at the time of use, the recency of use, and the frequency of use. No marijuana use will be allowed within 2 years of the date of the application.
  • No other illegal drug use within 7 years of application. Combined use of other drugs besides marijuana must not exceed 5 times. This includes but is not limited to: marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, anabotlic steroids, ecstasy, LSD.
  • No sale of any drugs.
  • Could have permanent disqualification for use of heroin, LSD, PCP, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine or similar substances.
  • Any prior drug use, admitted or discovered, will be evaluated in determining employment eligibility.
  • No pattern of abuse of legal or legend drugs (including steroids).
  • Must pass polygraph or CVSA concerning use.

Entry Level Pay Scale
Fiscal Year 2007

PAY RATES
OFFICER CLASSIFICATION HOURLY MONTHLY ANNUALLY
POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE 16.45 2,850.67 34,208.00
POLICE OFFICER I 18.28 3,167.67 38,012.00
PO I - *3% EDUCATION INCENTIVE 39,152.36
PO I - *6% EDUCATION INCENTIVE 40,292.72
POLICE OFFICER II 20.24 3,508.50 42,102.00
PO II - *3% EDUCATION INCENTIVE 43,365.06
PO II - *6% EDUCATION INCENTIVE 44,628.12

*3% - ASSOCIATES DEGREE, 6% - BACHELORS DEGREE
*AFTER GRADUATION FROM ACADEMY AND PROOF OF EDUCATION

BENEFITS

  • DEFERRED COMPENSATION
  • LONGEVITY PAY
  • OVERTIME PAY
  • STATE SUPPLEMENTED IN-SERVICE PAY ($600)
  • 20 PAID MILITARY DAYS PER YEAR
  • COMPENSATED FOR TIME SPENT IN COURT
  • VESTED FOR PENSION AFTER 5 YEARS
  • VESTED FOR MEDICAL PENSION AFTER 10 YEARS
  • USE OF MONTGOMERY GI BILLS, IN FIRST YEAR OF TRAINING
INSURANCE
  • HEALTH: 25% EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION
  • LIFE: FREE - 2 TIMES ANNUAL SALARY UP TO $50,000
  • DENTAL: FREE - SINGLE COVERAGE
  • OPTIONAL VISION INSURANCE
  • MENTAL HEALTH/SUBSTANCE ABUSE INSURANCE
  • ADDITIONAL COVERAGE AVAILABLE THROUGH PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
VACATION
  • 20 PAID VACATION DAYS AFTER ONE YEAR
  • 10 PAID HOLIDAYS PER YEAR
  • 3 PERSONAL LEAVE DAYS PER YEAR
  • 1 SICK DAY PER MONTH ACCUMULATED UP TO 120 DAYS
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT ALLOWANCE
  • $200 EVERY SIX MONTHS FOR UNIFORM MAINTENANCE
  • BASIC EQUIPMENT AND SIDEARM ISSUED DURING ACADEMY TRAINING

Meet Some of Our Officers

Cordelia Maxwell - Fraud Unit Detective

Detective Cordelia Maxwell Detective Cordelia Maxwell has been with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department since 1974. Detective Maxwell came on the police department when females were just beginning to be recruited in to law enforcement. She is currently assigned to the Fraud Unit where she has spent the last 12 years. Detective Maxwell spent 12 years in the patrol division, and 5 years in the Adult Sex Crimes Unit.

Detective Maxwell is married and has raised a family while maintaining her career in law enforcement.

In Detective Maxwell's words, a career in law enforcement for females that are married or single can be challenging and fulfilling. Attitudes toward women in law enforcement are very receptive, and it is now a profession with open opportunities for advancement.

Suzanne Stephens - Adult Sex Crimes Unit Detective

Detective Suzanne StephensI have been with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department since 1988, and have worked in the Adult Sex Crimes Unit for the last 12 years. I have been fortunate enough to work in several different areas of law enforcement since coming to MNPD including Personal Crimes, Patrol, and the Crime Suppression Unit, to name a few. Prior to joining the MNPD I worked as a Deputy in a local Sheriff's department for 10 years.

I am married and have 2 grown sons (twins). My husband and one of my sons also work for the police department. My other son is currently applying for the next police recruit class. It is a profession with which my entire family is very proud to be associated.

I spend my free time away from work being very active in our church, and walking with several exercise buddies. I have participated in numerous ½ marathons and 5K races. I have also participated (and completed) every Country Music Marathon since it came to Nashville, a tradition I hope to continue. My husband and I love to travel when our schedules permit, and we enjoy planning trips to new and exciting places.

I am truly proud to be part of the men and women who serve their community in the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department. Although challenging, I would encourage anyone who wishes to serve in a professional, community oriented police department to look for career opportunities in the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the police department hiring?
YES!! The Metro Police Department has recently instituted a "progressive hiring" stance. This allows us to hire the very best candidates to join our department and bring them on board very quickly prior to having established a definitive start date for the next recruit class. These employees are paid as Police Officer Trainees, but work in a civilian administrative capacity until enough people are hired to start the next recruit class. They will get a jump start on the knowledge necessary to become a great police officer and will also have a chance to get acclimated to the departments many components.
How long is the hiring process?
To make employment with our department more attractive, we accept applications year round and testing is done on at least a monthly basis. An interested applicant may send in an application to Metro Human Resources 222 Third Avenue North, suite 158 Nashville, TN 37201 OR the Metro Police Recruitment Office at 2231 26th Avenue North suite 126 Nashville, TN 37208.

The new "progressive hiring" process takes a couple of months from submitting an application to being given a hire date depending on several variables. If you are available for testing and score in the outstanding on a combined Civil Service Written Exam and Physical Ability test, are available for an interview, and possess the qualities necessary to function well in a high stress environment, you will be considered along with other candidates. If selected, you will then be given a conditional offer of employment. After you successfully complete the rest of the testing process in a satisfactory manner, you will join the department as a Police Officer Trainee. Police Human Resources will work with you so that you are able to give your current employer two weeks notice.

The old hiring process took approximately 9-12 months but could take up to several years. The time frames were dependant on how many recruit classes we held per year. If we had one class per year the process took longer than if we had two classes per year.
When are the next scheduled Civil Service Test dates?
The next scheduled Civil Service Test dates are: April 19, May 31, June 28, July 26 and August 23, 2008. To be scheduled for a Civil Service Test date, you must submit your on-line application (link at bottom of page), then send in your supporting documentation within 10 working days.Your application and supporting documentation is reviewed and if you meet the hiring qualifications, you will receive a civil service test date within 35 - 45 days.
What should I wear to the Civil Service Test?
On the date of your assigned Civil Service Test, you must arrive on time! On this date you will take a two hour civil service exam, participate in a discussion of what to expect at the Police Training Academy, be fingerprinted and take the physical ability test. Wear clothes and shoes that will allow you to participate in running, jumping a 5' wall and crawling under saw horses. You may also bring water and a snack with you.
What do I need to do to physically prepare myself the the Police Training Academy?
Read the Police Officer Trainee Fitness / Wellness Program Summary.
Does the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department accept lateral transfers?
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department does accept lateral transfers.  However at this time, there is not a lateral class scheduled for the year 2008.  Lateral (previous police experience) is still an acceptable qualifier to apply for a regular Police Officer Trainee recruit session.
Is the hiring process different for lateral applicants and basic recruit applicants?
No, the process is the same for both and is explained by the flowchart that can be found back at the top of this webpage.
Do my college hours have to be in the Criminal Justice Field?
No, they just have to be general academic studies (i.e., English, math, science, social sciences, etc.) from an accredited college or university. See employment standards for more details on this requirement.
Does National Guard or Reserve time count for military service?
No, only active duty time counts. If you are a reservist or guardsman who has been activated you must have 2 years of active duty time to qualify for the education waiver.
  • Recruitment Section (615) 862-7341
  • Employment Information (888) 638-7633

If you have questions about employment or recruitment, you may e-mail any of the following:

Equal Opportunity Employer