Police

Becoming a Police Officer in Nashville

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. MNPD only accepts on-line applications.

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: May 30, June 27, July 25, Aug. 29, Sept. 26, and Oct. 24 of 2009.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 for 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.