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?
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Nashville police officer! This is a GREAT police department, and we are constantly looking for the right men and women to join our team. The application and background investigation processes are quite involved. So that you will not be discouraged, we have created this short narrative of what to expect, along with the time lines involved. More information is available at our orientation sessions (described below).

The first step of the process is to apply on-line with Metro's Human Resources Department. It may take ten to twelve weeks from the time a person completes the on-line application to receive notification from Metro Human Resources of a date to take the Civil Service Examination. Again, this notification is sent by Metro Human Resources, not the police department, once it is determined that the applicant appears to meet the minimum qualifications. Notification to participate in the Civil Service Examination is generally provided four weeks prior to the testing dates.

Our Background and Recruitment Unit offers helpful orientation sessions for potential applicants. At the orientation, persons will learn about the hiring process, civil service testing, Training Academy expectations, as well as the role of the Field Training Officer program.

Upon completion of the Civil Service Examination and the Physical Ability Test (which are given over a two-day period), the applicant will typically receive notification of his/her test scores within two weeks. All applicants scoring in the outstanding category on the combined Civil Service Exam (written) and the Physical Ability Test will advance to the background investigation stage. Please note that it is only at this point that the applicants’ names are forwarded to the police department.

Given the high number of applicants, and the thoroughness required of background investigations, the background phase could take three to four months. Upon successful completion of the background investigation, an interview will be scheduled between the applicant and his/her background investigator. The purpose of the interview is to update/clarify any remaining information that the investigator may need in order to recommend the applicant for a conditional employment offer.

A conditional offer of employment will be extended to the applicant who successfully completes the background investigation and interview stages.

Following the conditional offer of employment, the applicant must complete a battery of tests, including a medical examination, drug screen, psychological assessments, and Computer Voice Stress Analysis.

THIS ENTIRE PROCESS IS METICULOUS AND TIME CONSUMING, LASTING, ON AVERAGE, FOUR TO EIGHT MONTHS.

Based upon the results of these tests, a determination is made by the police department as to whether the applicant is qualified to join the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department as a Police Officer Trainee. If so, depending on the timing of the next training class(es) and other considerations, the candidate will be offered a position as a Police Officer Trainee. As funding permits, Police Officer Trainees may be offered immediate employment in a police department support role while waiting for the next Academy class to commence.

Once the applicant is offered a full time position as a Police Officer Trainee, he/she should have ample time to give proper notification (two weeks) to his/her current employer.

In summary, the total application time frame (on average, up to eight months) is broken into its major steps is as follows:
  • Completion of the on-line application to notification of the test date: 10-12 weeks.
  • Notification of Civil Service Exam/Physical Ability Test results: 2 weeks.
  • Background Investigation (including interview, battery of tests, candidate review and potential employment offer: 4-6 months.
Again, thank you for your interest in our department! Please contact our Recruiting Office at 862-7341 with any questions.
When are the next scheduled Civil Service Test dates?
The next scheduled Civil Service Test dates are:
  • January 29, 30, 2010
  • February 26, 27, 2010
  • March 26, 27, 2010
  • April 23, 24, 2010
  • May 28, 29, 2010
  • June 25, 26, 2010
  • July 30, 31, 2010
  • August 27, 28, 2010
  • September 24, 25, 2010
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 30 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 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 this year. 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.