1

Police Recruit Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

... Police Recruit. - Must possess and maintain a valid driver license as a condition for continued employment. OTHER FUNCTIONS * Performs additional functions (essential or otherwise) which may be ...

All police officers shall at all times take appropriate action to preserve the peace, protect life and property, prevent crime, arrest violators of the law and enforce State laws and City codes in ...

Police Officer

Johnson City, TN ยท On-site

$23.34/hr

Police Officer The City of Johnson City invites you to apply to start your career as a Johnson City ... Upon completion of the recruit training, you will be responsible for protective services work as ...

Police Officer

Johnson City, TN ยท On-site

$23.34/hr

Police OfficerThe City of Johnson City invites you to apply to start your career as a Johnson City ... Upon completion of the recruit training, you will be responsible for protective services work as ...

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

Promote, support, and participate in student recruitment and retention efforts. * Directs and ... Works with the Chief of Police to plan, organize, and implement security for campus functions ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Police Recruit information

See Tennessee salary details

$32.7K

$59.7K

$120.3K

How much do police recruit jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for police recruit in Tennessee is $59,744.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,400.00 and $68,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police recruit?

Police Recruits are individuals who have been selected to enter a police academy for training to become sworn law enforcement officers. During their time as recruits, they undergo rigorous instruction in areas such as criminal law, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency response, and community policing. They are not yet full police officers but are in the process of learning the essential skills and knowledge required for the role. Upon successful completion of the training program, Police Recruits are typically promoted to the position of Police Officer and begin active duty in the community.

What does a police recruit do?

A police recruit is a non-sworn employee of a police department. In this position, your duties involve undergoing training to become an entry-level police officer. Your responsibilities revolve around learning basic skills and procedures needed to be a police officer. In addition to training, you may observe professional police officers as they perform their duties. A police recruit must graduate from a police academy before moving on to work as an officer on a probationary basis.

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

To thrive as a Police Recruit, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, basic knowledge of law enforcement principles, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with report-writing software, radio communication systems, and law enforcement databases is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, resilience, and sound judgment help recruits excel in challenging situations and build community trust. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining public safety, effective communication, and ethical law enforcement.

What are some common challenges new police recruits face during their initial training and how can they prepare for them?

New Police Recruits often encounter challenges such as adapting to the physical and mental demands of the police academy, mastering a wide range of laws and procedures, and developing effective communication skills under pressure. Time management and stress resilience are crucial, as recruits must balance classroom learning with physical training and practical exercises. To prepare, candidates should focus on physical fitness, familiarize themselves with basic law enforcement concepts, and practice clear, respectful communication. Many recruits find it helpful to connect with recent academy graduates for support and advice.

What is the difference between Police Recruit vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice RecruitPolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, experience may vary
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, probation periodActive duty in the field, patrol, investigations
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position in law enforcement agenciesFull-fledged law enforcement personnel

In summary, a Police Recruit is an entry-level candidate undergoing training and probation, while a Police Officer is a fully sworn law enforcement professional actively working in the field.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Police Recruit jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Police Recruit job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Recruit job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,744 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Police Recruit- PR 151

City of Memphis, TN

Memphis, TN โ€ข On-site

$57K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description


Salary Range: $57,937.10 - $57,937.10
Works under the supervision of Memphis Police Academy staff to grasp concepts and perform a wide range of tasks which promote public safety and security. Performs general enforcement of the laws including patrolling assigned areas, apprehending and controlling suspects, and controlling traffic, writing reports, providing public information, maintaining records and material evidence, and providing court testimony. Attends training classes as required and meets mandatory training requirements. Exercises and comprehends rules, regulations, and policies of the MPD Training Academy and applicable federal, state, and local laws. Executes basic criminal investigation principles, practices, and techniques for use in patrol-related activities. Exercises and uses basic interview skills to obtain information from suspects, victims, and witnesses. Learns to operate a patrol vehicle and uses appropriate weapons/equipment associated with law enforcement in a safe manner. Grasps and applies defensive tactic techniques in controlling and apprehending suspects. Applies minimal levels of force to control subjects in patrol-related situations to ensure the safety of the officer and of the general public. Recognizes controlled substances and how to request assistance in handling materials and paraphernalia. Learns to provide first-aid assistance to those in need during emergency situations. Demonstrates critical thinking to solve problems in patrol-related situations. Maintains tact and courtesy when interacting with various individuals and confidentiality when working with law-enforcement sensitive information.
joinMPD
Responsibilities
OTHER FUNCTIONS
  1. Performs additional functions (essential or otherwise) which may be assigned.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Requires the ability to traverse uneven terrain. Requires the ability to perform physically demanding work which includes bending, stooping, crouching, sitting, standing, running, navigating in confined spaces, lifting and carrying heavy items weighing up to 100 lbs. with or without assistance. Must have the physical agility to maneuver a dead weight object up to 175 lbs. for training purposes. Must have the strength and dexterity to perform defensive tactics and successfully complete firearms training. Must be able to operate and use law enforcement tools and equipment, including but not limited to: weapons, handcuffs, vehicles, computers, and other technological devices.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Requires working in a classroom setting with exposure to inclement weather conditions during training. May include rotating shifts and holidays. Potentially hazardous conditions may exist during defensive tactics, weapons training, and defensive driving. Requires the use of protective gear when necessary.
Qualifications
-Must have High School Diploma or equivalent and twenty-four (24) semester hours obtained from a regionally (e.g. MSCHE, NECCU, NCA, etc.) or nationally (e.g. DETC, COE, ACCSC, etc.) accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Accreditation.
OR
- Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent and two (2) years work experience (full-time, part-time, or contract or any verifiable work experience) within five (5) years from class start date.
OR
- Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent and two (2) years active or reserve military experience within five (5) years from class start date.
AND
- Must be a citizen of the United States, OR a permanent legal resident of the United States who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed forces; requires such an officer to apply for or obtain citizenship within six years of the employment start date.
- Must be at least 21 years of age upon completion of the Police Basic Training Program.
- Must not have been convicted of, or pled guilty (or enter a plea of Nolo Contendere) to any felony charges.
- Must not have been released or discharged under any other than honorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States. Honorable discharge waivers may be granted for the following separations, 1) entry level separation, or 2) general discharge under honorable conditions.
- Must successfully pass entry level requirements and testing (physical, written, background investigation, psychological and medical) for Police Recruit.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver license as a condition for continued employment.