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Police Captain Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

STCC - Multiple Campus Locations Job Summary This is a full-time, fiscal year position working under direct supervision of the Police Supervisor (Captain) and general supervision of the Associate ...

TCAT Memphis Job Summary This is a full-time, grant-funded position working under direct supervision of the Police Supervisor (Captain) and general supervision of the Associate Director of Public ...

Security Officer - MEM - PT

Memphis, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Site Captain Business Unit: Federal-Physical Security Benefit Eligibility: Ineligible Category ... Candidates with military police, law enforcement, or corrections officer experience are preferred.

Security Officer - MEM - PT

Memphis, TN · On-site

$14 - $16.50/hr

Site Captain Business Unit: Federal-Physical Security Benefit Eligibility: Ineligible Category ... Candidates with military police, law enforcement, or corrections officer experience are preferred.

Police Captain information

See Tennessee salary details

$44.5K

$118.2K

$191.1K

How much do police captain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for police captain in Tennessee is $118,174.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $156,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police captain?

Police Captains are senior law enforcement officers who oversee and manage the operations of a police department or a specific division within it. They are responsible for supervising personnel, developing policies, coordinating investigations, and ensuring that their units comply with laws and departmental procedures. Police Captains also serve as liaisons between upper management and lower-ranking officers, and often represent their department in community meetings or public events. Their leadership is crucial in maintaining discipline, efficiency, and public trust within the police force.

How does a police captain typically support the professional development of their team members?

A Police Captain plays a pivotal role in mentoring and evaluating officers, providing regular feedback and guidance to promote both individual and team growth. Captains often identify training opportunities, facilitate workshops, and encourage officers to pursue specialized certifications or leadership programs. They also help set career goals during performance reviews and foster an environment where team members feel empowered to advance within the department. This supportive approach not only enhances team effectiveness but also strengthens retention and morale.

How much do police captains make in the police force?

Police captains typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $130,000, depending on the location, size of the department, and years of experience. They often oversee patrol, investigations, and administrative functions, requiring leadership skills and law enforcement certifications.

What does a police captain do?

A police captain is a high-level officer in a police department who is typically responsible for an entire district or precinct. As a police captain, you answer to the police chief. Your job duties include allocating budget resources to each section of your division, analyzing crime data to determine trends in your area, and providing information to the press about ongoing or resolved investigations. You need strong leadership skills and significant experience as a police officer to be eligible for a job as a police captain.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Captain, you need extensive law enforcement experience, strong leadership abilities, and typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with police management systems, incident reporting software, and completion of advanced supervisory training or certifications such as FBI National Academy are often required. Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills help you lead teams effectively and maintain public trust. These competencies are essential for ensuring operational efficiency, upholding departmental standards, and fostering community safety.

What is the difference between Police Captain vs Police Lieutenant?

AspectPolice CaptainPolice Lieutenant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, supervisory experienceHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, supervisory experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple precincts or divisions, administrative dutiesManages specific units or shifts, field supervision
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments, law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonPolice Captain vs Police Lieutenant

The main difference between a Police Captain and a Police Lieutenant lies in their level of responsibility and scope of oversight. Police Captains typically oversee entire divisions or multiple precincts and focus on administrative and strategic planning. Police Lieutenants usually manage specific units or shifts, with a more direct role in field supervision. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to law enforcement hierarchies, but their duties and areas of focus differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Police Captain jobs in Tennessee? For Police Captain jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Police Captain jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Police Captain jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Police Captain jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Police Captain job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Police Captain jobs in TN? For Police Captain jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Police Captain job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,174 per year, or $56.8 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Police Officer 1

Apply now Job no: 503088
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Memphis
Categories: Staff

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a comprehensive, multicultural, public, open-access college. Southwest has four campuses/centers from which it offers over 100 programs and over 20 technical certificate programs.

We foster student success, transform lives, and increase the educational level of a growing community in Shelby County. Southwest is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

We invite you to become a part of the Southwest Team!

Title: Police Officer 1

Employee Classification: Service/Maintenance

Institution: Southwest Tennessee Community College

Department: Police Services

Campus Location: STCC - Multiple Campus Locations

Job Summary

This is a full-time, fiscal year position working under direct supervision of the Police Supervisor (Captain) and general supervision of the Associate Director of Public Safety.

The Police Officer 1 investigates crimes and accidents, protecting faculty, staff, students, visitors, and property, facilities by law enforcement. He/she responds to calls for assistance including emergency crisis situations and provides other safety related services. He/she must be flexible to work different shifts if and when deemed necessary.

Job Duties

  • Assures building security, traffic control, parking lot management, and patrol readiness for crime and hazards.
  • Patrols the campus/specific area by foot, bicycle, or motor vehicle/motorized conveyance.
  • Issues citations for traffic and parking violations.
  • Responds to radio and telephone calls; electronic alarms such as fire alarm, personal injuries and crime in progress.
  • Investigates suspected crimes, report findings, and arrests suspected individuals.
  • Monitors, notes, reports, and investigates suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.
  • Investigates accidents involving persons or property and the probable cause of accidents, and pursues appropriate course of action.
  • Directs and controls traffic.
  • Testifies in court or legal proceedings
  • Operates and maintains law enforcement equipment.
  • Keeps records and makes reports.
  • May perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Meets the requirements of a Certified Police Officer, per TCA 38-8-107, including completion or attendance and completion within one year following employment, of a law enforcement academy curriculum approved by the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (P.O.S.T).
    • Meets the requirements of TCA 38-8-106, Qualifications of Police Officers:
    • Be at least eighteen (18) years of age
    • High school graduate or possess equivalency
    • Not have been convicted of ANY felonies
    • Not have been released/discharged under any other circumstance than honorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States
    • Have their fingerprints on file with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
    • Must have passed a physical examination by a licensed physician
    • Must have passed police academy requirement, and psychological examinations
  • Must possess a valid Tennessee driver's license
  • Have a good moral character as determined by a thorough investigation conducted by Department of Police/Public Safety
  • Must be flexible to work different shifts if and when deemed necessary.
  • A background check, psychological and physical examination will be required for the successful candidate.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Two (2) years experience in the armed forces or as a commissioned police officer
  • Associate's degree

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, government regulations, executive orders, and the democratic political process.
  • Knowledge of city, county and state laws.
  • Knowledge of effective methods of investigations.
  • Familiarity with geographic location of main campus sites
  • Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations and to determine proper course of action.
  • Ability to ascertain facts by personal contacts, observation, and the examination of records.
  • Ability to explain and interpret pertinent provisions of laws, ordinances, and regulations.
  • Ability to enforce laws firmly, tactfully and with respect for the rights of others.
  • Ability to follow and/or issue oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with students, the public and other employees.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Candidates who are called for an interview must notify Human Resources in writing at least five (5) days in advance of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

First consideration will be given to current Southwest Tennessee Community College employees who meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

In order to be considered for the position, the following items must be uploaded:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Unofficial Transcripts

A summary of our benefits can be found below: 

https://www.southwest.tn.edu/hr/benefits-overview.php

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The TBR does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. 

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies:  LeVetta Hudson, Vice President of People & Culture, myhr@southwest.tn.edu, 737 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, 901-333-5000. See the full non-discrimination policy.

Advertised: 11 Nov 2025 Central Standard Time
Applications close:

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