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Police Lieutenant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Lieutenant may supervise, oversee and coordinate daily activities of police operations, investigations, special event management, recruitment and hiring, research, design, and implement training and ...

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Lead the execution of police services and strategies that are reflective of 21st Century Policing guidance. * Review and approve all incident reports, accident reports and any other such reports ...

Lieutenant - VUPS

Nashville, TN · On-site

$75 - $95/hr

Lead the execution of police services and strategies that are reflective of 21st Century Policing guidance. * Review and approve all incident reports, accident reports and any other such reports ...

Police Lieutenant information

See Tennessee salary details

$34K

$112K

$221K

How much do police lieutenant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for police lieutenant in Tennessee is $111,992.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $135,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police lieutenant?

Police Lieutenants are mid-level supervisors in a police department who oversee sergeants, officers, and daily operations within a division or precinct. They play a crucial role in implementing department policies, managing personnel, and ensuring that investigations and patrol duties are carried out effectively. Lieutenants often serve as a bridge between upper management (such as captains and chiefs) and front-line officers. Their responsibilities may also include preparing reports, handling administrative tasks, and responding to major incidents.

What does a police lieutenant do?

A police lieutenant is a person who has been awarded the rank of lieutenant within a police department, and operates within the leadership structure as part of their job duties. As a result, they supervise other officers within a precinct and report to the police captain or other superior officers. They still perform all the duties that are required of a police officer when upholding the law. Police lieutenants will command a unit of officers when working in groups out in the field, as when police are sent to handle large-scale situations.

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

To thrive as a Police Lieutenant, you need strong leadership abilities, substantial law enforcement experience, and a solid understanding of criminal justice, often supported by a bachelor's degree and police academy training. Familiarity with police management systems, incident reporting software, and certifications in areas such as emergency management are common requirements. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for effectively supervising officers, ensuring public safety, and maintaining operational integrity within the department.

How does a police lieutenant typically balance administrative duties with active field supervision?

A Police Lieutenant is responsible for both overseeing daily operations and ensuring department policies are upheld, which means splitting time between office-based administrative tasks and active field supervision. They often review reports, manage schedules, handle personnel issues, and coordinate with other units or external agencies. Simultaneously, Lieutenants are expected to be present during major incidents, oversee critical investigations, and provide guidance to sergeants and officers in the field. Effective time management and delegation are key to maintaining this balance, ensuring both operational efficiency and strong leadership presence.

What is the difference between Police Lieutenant vs Police Captain?

AspectPolice LieutenantPolice Captain
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy certification, and experience as a patrol officerSame as Lieutenant, often with additional leadership training or certifications
Work EnvironmentSupervises patrol officers, manages shift operations, and enforces department policiesOversees multiple units or precincts, involved in strategic planning and administrative duties
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments, law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, law enforcement agencies

Police Lieutenants and Police Captains share similar credentials and work environments, with Lieutenants focusing on shift supervision and Captains on broader administrative and strategic roles. The main difference lies in their scope of responsibility and leadership level within the department.

What are popular job titles related to Police Lieutenant jobs in Tennessee?

For Police Lieutenant jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Police Lieutenant jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Police Lieutenant jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Police Lieutenant jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Police Lieutenant job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Police Lieutenant jobs in TN?

For Police Lieutenant jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Police Lieutenant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,992 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

The Georgetown University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

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Job description

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation's capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Requirements

Job Overview

This is a mid-level management position. As a mid-level manager, the incumbent manages personnel, ensures adherence to GUPD policy and directives, and oversees the daily GUPD administrative and/or operational functions. This oversight is over all GUPD service functions which may include Patrol, Community Engagement/Special Events, Criminal Investigations, Support and Special Services assignments. Lieutenant may supervise, oversee and coordinate daily activities of police operations, investigations, special event management, recruitment and hiring, research, design, and implement training and certification requirements for sworn and non-sworn personnel. The incumbent prepares staff reports, develops event action plans, and conduct internal investigations of citizen or internal complaints. The incumbent may be responsible for managing special events, student guards, and contract security functions. They will provide proximity and exercise delegated authority of the GUPD Command Staff so that critical decisions are made in a timely manner and quality of service is assured by evaluating operations and administrative functions, recommending or implementing improvements to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of activities. The incumbent participates in compliance activities, assists with departmental policies, prepares reports and other documents as assigned. The incumbent may be assigned to either the Hilltop or Capitol Campus.

Work Interactions

The Lieutenant position bridges the gap between front line employees (Sergeant/Officer) and the senior command staff (Captain and above). This position reports to the Administrative and or Operations Captain as designees of the Deputy Chief of Police. Lieutenant works independently with limited supervision. The incumbent may directly or indirectly, plan, organize, schedule, organize, and supervise Sergeants, Investigators, Communications Officers, Communications Specialists, Special Police Officers, Security Officers, Student Guard Managers, Student Guards, and may manage contract security. The incumbent coordinates work activities with both internal and external GUPD partners. The Lieutenant serves as an incident commander, oversee investigations, assists with threat cases, and participates in complex and or sensitive incidents/events The incumbent is one of the "faces" of the Georgetown University Police Department.

Requirements and Qualifications

  • College degree required.

  • Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience related to public safety, including at least 2 years of supervisory experience required.

  • 1 to 3 years of security, law enforcement or military experience is required.

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.

  • Must be at least 21 years of age.

  • Must qualify for and maintain a Special Police Officer's Commission.

  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with no violations in the last five years and must be able to pass Georgetown University Driver's Certification.

  • All applicants are subject to a written test, a report writing test, drug test, physical examination by a medical doctor to university specifications, and extensive psychological testing. Must be able to pass a comprehensive background investigation.

  • Must have current certification in Baton/OC Spray

  • Must have successfully completed the Consortium of Universities Law Enforcement Academy or equivalent training and certification from a civilian or military law enforcement academy

  • Must possess basic to intermediate knowledge of criminal and civil law and police policies and procedures. Must have a working knowledge of electronic reporting systems.

  • Must possess certification of a trainer, or ability to become certified as a trainer within promotional evaluation period (for internal promotions) or probationary period (for new hires), in one or more of the following: Baton/OC Spray, Police Cycling, Field Training, CPR/First Aid, or others as may be added in the future.

  • Must possess tact, patience, a professional and courteous demeanor, and be customer service-oriented in order to assist students, staff, faculty, visitors, and community members

  • Must have the ability to supervise, evaluate, manage, and motivate subordinate sworn and non-sworn personnel.

  • Must respect the use of police powers in relation to a University environment.

  • Must be proficient using computers including Microsoft Word, and email and/or the ability to learn these applications is essential.

  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including report writing, are essential.

  • An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered in lieu of the above requirements.

PreferredQualifications

  • Previous experience in and responsibility for critical incident response and notification procedures.

  • Knowledge of telecommunications equipment.

  • Administrative and clerical skills.

  • Emergency management experience.

  • Demonstrated leadership in a higher education environment.

Work Mode Designation

This position has been designated as On-Campus. Please note that work-mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position's mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University's mode of work designations for staff positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website: https://hr.georgetown.edu/mode-of-work-designation.

Position is considered essential under the University Personnel policy guidelines and therefore is subject to be on call when necessary. Must be willing to work extended, odd, or off hours to achieve the expectations of the Department. This may include rotating tours of duty (day shifts, evening shifts, overnight shifts) with fluctuating days off, according to departmental needs.

Pay Range:

The projectedsalary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is:

$54,616.00 - $100,493.33

Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University's business needs and external factors.

Current Georgetown Employees:

If you currently work at Georgetown University, please exit this website and login to GMS (gms.georgetown.edu) using your Net ID and password. Then select the Career worklet on your GMS Home dashboard to view Jobs at Georgetown.

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at Georgetown University you must submit a resumefor each position of interest for which you believe you are qualified. Documents are not kept on file for future positions.

Need Assistance:

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process, please visit the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance website for general information about requesting accommodations, as well as information about requesting accommodations specifically for applicants. You also can also contact the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance at (202) 687-4798 or oeoc@georgetown.edu.

Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown's commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.

EEO Statement:

GU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, race, religion, personal appearance, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits:

Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.


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About Georgetown University

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Georgetown University, located in Washington, DC, US, is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the higher education industry. As a private research university, Georgetown offers a wide range of programs and services in various academic disciplines. The institution was founded in 1789 by John Carroll, America's first Catholic bishop, and carries a rich history ingrained in Jesuit values like cura personalis (care for the whole person) and men and women for others. The mission of Georgetown University is to shape individuals who seek to better the world and its diverse cultures, thus creating a positive impact on societies. It is recognized for its fruitful legacy in academics, commitment to social justice, and fostering of global awareness and understanding among its students.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

1789


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