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Police Trainee Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Police Trainee information

See Tennessee salary details

$21.7K

$49.8K

$71.7K

How much do police trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for police trainee in Tennessee is $49,772.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,374.00 and $59,047.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does 4 fingers up mean for cops?

For police trainees and officers, holding up four fingers can be a gesture used to signify the number four, often in contexts like counting or signaling. It may also be part of specific hand signals or communication methods used during training or operations, but its meaning can vary depending on the situation or department protocols.

What is the difference between Police Trainee vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice TraineePolice Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic police academy trainingComplete police academy; sworn law enforcement officer
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseActive duty in the field, enforcing laws
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies during trainingFull-time law enforcement agencies

Police Trainees are in the training phase, focusing on learning laws and procedures under supervision. Police Officers have completed training and are responsible for patrolling, enforcing laws, and responding to incidents. The trainee role is a stepping stone to becoming a fully sworn officer.

What are Police Trainees?

Police Trainees are individuals who are undergoing training to become fully qualified police officers. They typically participate in a police academy program where they learn about law enforcement procedures, criminal law, physical fitness, firearms handling, and community interaction. During this period, trainees receive both classroom instruction and hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced officers. Upon successful completion of the training program, they may be eligible for appointment as probationary police officers.

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

To thrive as a Police Trainee, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, basic legal knowledge, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, radio communication systems, and report-writing software is typically required. Strong ethical judgment, teamwork, stress management, and effective communication skills set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure safety, uphold public trust, and support effective law enforcement in diverse and challenging situations.

What should I expect during the field training phase as a Police Trainee?

During the field training phase, Police Trainees are paired with experienced officers who act as mentors and evaluators. You will rotate through different shifts and assignments, gaining hands-on experience responding to calls, conducting traffic stops, and interacting with the community. This period is designed to build your confidence and competence while providing real-time feedback on your performance. Expect a fast-paced environment where adaptability, communication, and problem-solving are key. Trainees are closely monitored and regularly assessed to ensure they meet department standards before moving into solo patrol duties.

What does a police officer trainee do?

A police officer trainee assists experienced officers in enforcing laws, maintaining public safety, and completing administrative tasks. They undergo training in areas such as criminal law, patrol procedures, and communication skills, often working under supervision to gain practical experience before becoming fully certified officers.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Police trainee programs typically accept applicants of various ages, and starting at 27 is generally not too late. Many departments value maturity and life experience, and candidates often need to meet minimum age requirements, which usually range from 18 to 21, depending on the jurisdiction. Physical fitness, background checks, and completing police academy training are also essential steps in becoming a police officer.

What is the easiest law enforcement job to get into?

The police trainee position is often considered one of the easiest law enforcement roles to enter, as it typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and minimal prior experience. It serves as an entry-level role that provides on-the-job training and prepares individuals for full police officer duties, often with less competitive requirements than specialized or higher-ranking positions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Police jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Police Trainee jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Police Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Police Trainee job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,772 per year, or $23.9 per hour.
Park Police Trainee

$66K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

738th of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Description This position is with the Parks & Recreation Department, and performs law enforcement work such as, controlling traffic flow, enforcing state and local laws, and traffic regulations for all park areas and facilities. The Park Police Trainee will attend and complete an in-service and field training program in police science. Salary Park Police Trainee employees are paid at step 1 of grade (PK00) $66,204 while attending the MNPD Training Academy.

After successful completion of the academy, employees are reclassified to Park Police 1 (PK01) at Step 1. $70,904 After completing their six month probationary period, employees are reclassified to Park Police 2 (PK02) at Step 1. $77,964 Upon successful completion of academy and on-the-job training, Park Police employee are automatically moved into the Park Police 1 classification and begins a six-month probationary period.

***All Officers must be able to work varying shifts including nights, week-ends, and holidays. "Metro's Parks and Recreation Department offers something for everyone through a wide range of facilities, programs, and natural spaces across Davidson County. Today, Metro Parks manages nearly 16,000 acres of parkland, including 189 parks, more than 110 miles of greenways, and 27 community centers.

The system features cultural arts facilities, nature centers, historic sites, dog parks, playgrounds, golf courses, sports leagues, fitness programs, and hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails. From ice hockey and art classes to swimming pools, basketball courts, and community events that draw hundreds of thousands of participants each year, Metro Parks remains a vibrant, active part of life in Nashville where there is always something happening for residents and visitors alike." Typical Duties Performing crime prevention and law enforcement duties throughout the Metropolitan Park System. Patrolling an assigned area in an automobile, on foot, horse, bike, or ATV vehicle

Monitoring parks, playgrounds, greenways and other park property for illegal activities. Assisting citizens to ensure the use of parks is safe and enjoyable. Intervening in private or public disputes to protect the public and maintain order.

Making arrests, issuing citations, giving verbal warnings, directing traffic, and assisting with crowd control, as needed. Appearing in court as required. Minimum Qualifications At least sixty (60) semester hours of course work from an accredited college or university with an overall Grade Point Average of 2.0 ("C" Average) or above

OR High school diploma or equivalent, plus one of the following: At least two (2) years active military duty (Honorable Discharge) At least two (2) years as a full-time, certified (Tennessee P.O.S.T. Certification or equivalent State certification) active law enforcement officer* Three (3) years responsible work experience NOTE: Once hired, employees are required to successfully complete the Metro Nashville Police Training Academy. *Active law enforcement officer means a permanent, full-time, uniformed law enforcement officer functioning in a patrol capacity, determined from documentation or certification submitted to the Police Department

CIVIL SERVICE STATUS Park Police trainees are provisional (non-Civil Service) employees. Upon successful completion of academy and on-the-job training, the employee is automatically moved into the Park Police 1 classification and begins a six-month probationary period. The initial hire date will be used in computing leave accrual.

******No other substitution.**** LICENSE REQUIRED: Valid Driver License Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be 21 years of age at the time of hire. Candidates who have reached their 20th birthday may file applications, however, they may not be appointed to their probationary period until they are at least 21 years old

Per Tennessee House Bill 0765, a permanent legal resident of the United States who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed forces may be employed as a Police Officer. The officer must apply for or obtain citizenship within six (6) years of the employment start date. Far visual acuity must be at least 20/20 in the better eye and 20/30 in the other eye binocular corrected with contact lenses or spectacles.

Far visual acuity uncorrected must be at least 20/100 binocular for wearers of hard contacts or spectacles. Successful long-term soft contact lens wearers shall not be subject to the uncorrected criterion. Applicants must have worn soft contacts for at least six months prior to the employment physical.

Must have normal color vision. Must pass a medical examination with standards set out in the Metropolitan Charter. *NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may, at the request of the Chief of Police, allow an applicant admission to the Metropolitan Police Department Training Academy, provided the applicant's overall uncorrected vision is 20/20, and has previously demonstrated the ability to complete the curriculum prescribed by the Metropolitan Police Department.

Review the Police Officer Trainee Employment Standards before applying. The following required documents MUST be submitted at the time of application: Birth Certificate High School Diploma or Equivalent Official College Transcripts - If you wish to qualify under the college path, we need a copy of your official college transcript. Transcripts Issued To Student are accepted only if they include the registrar's signature/seal (showing 60 semester hours and 2.0 GPA)

Military Discharge, long form DD214 - If you wish to qualify under the military path. According to the Tennessee P.O.S.T. Commission Law Enforcement Officer Certification Requirements, applicants must not have been released or discharged under any other than honorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States

P.O.S.T. Certification - If you are an existing Police Officer. If you wish to qualify under the three+ years of full-time work experience, be sure to include a detailed employment history in the Work Experience section of the application

Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities P.O.S.T. (Police Officer Standards and Training Commission) certified as a Law Enforcement Officer Bi-lingual, preferably Spanish Two years of college (60 Semester Hours) Experience in law enforcement or related field We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply

Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations. Requests for ADA or other protected accommodations for the recruitment process should be directed to Human Resources at 615-862-6640.


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