Become a Police Officer
The Chattanooga Police Department is actively seeking qualified applicants to train as police officers.
We Are Looking For:
- Individuals with integrity
- Those with good judgment
- Strong communication skills
- A genuine commitment to making a difference in Chattanooga
Email us at CPDrecruiting@chattanooga.gov
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Lateral Entry Opportunities
The Chattanooga Police Department does accept Lateral Entry for certified police officers.
Requirements
The candidate shall have at least 2 years of police patrol experience as a certified sworn officer in a city, county, state, or federal police agency and not have more of a break in service than time in their previous agency. Preference shall be given to former officers with not more than a two (2) year break in service. No candidate shall be eligible for hire whose certification has been revoked for cause.
All candidates shall be currently or previously certified law enforcement officers. Such certification may be from any state.
All candidates shall meet all other requirements for selection as a police officer as established by the Sworn Personnel Selection Process.
Officers accepted into the Lateral program will receive a bonus up to the first four years based on the number of years of experience up to 4 years.
Accepted candidates will attend a modified police academy and a modified Field Training program.
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Selection Process
All applicants must successfully pass each of the following phases in order to qualify for the academy:
- Complete the application and return all required documents
- Entry-level—Written Exam (Nelson-Denny Reading Comprehension Test)
- Physical Ability Test (Work Sample)
- Preliminary questionnaire and interview. Extensive background investigation of criminal history, employment history, residences, scholastic record, credit history and driving history
- Polygraph Examination
- Final Interview
- Psychological Test
- Medical examination and drug testing
- Written exam and physical ability retesting available on next scheduled date
Physical Agility Test
Academy Training
The Chattanooga Police Academy offers the most thorough training available to police officers in this region. Cadets receive full pay while attending the Police Academy. Academy training consists of twenty-two weeks of expert instruction to provide cadets with the skills to perform the duties of a professional law enforcement officer. Academy graduates display their new skills under the guidance of experienced officers in the Field Training program (FTO). The following is a list of just some of the subjects that are taught in the basic academy:
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Career Paths
After three years of patrol service, an officer may request an assignment to one of the department's specialized units. A few of the vast amount of career opportunities are as follows:
Special Ops.
- K-9 Unit
- S.W.A.T./H.N.T./E.O.D.
- Traffic/Motorcycle Patrol/DUI Task Force
FAQs
Are you currently hiring?
Yes. We are always looking for highly qualified applicants. At this time, academies are schedule to begin in March and August each year.
Where do I apply?
When you go to our Chattanooga.gov website, the "Find Jobs" button at the top of the page will have a drop down menu. Select "Job Openings" and scroll down until you find "Police Cadet" or "Police Lateral". Selecting "Police Cadet" or "Police Lateral" will open a NEOGOV information site. Just under the header with the Job Title and Salary, etc., select "Apply". This will ask you to create an account which takes you to the online application.
Your online application will go to the City's human resources department and you will receive an email to schedule yourself for the basic written and police agility tests. Upon completing these tests, your file will be assigned to the Police Department's background investigators to continue the process.
Do I have to be 21 to apply?
No, you can apply at the age of 20 but must be 21 upon graduation of the training academy.
Is there an age limit to apply?
Yes, cannot be older than 39 upon graduation from the academy.
How long is the hiring process?
The hiring process generally takes approximately three to six months.
How long is the Police Academy?
Police Cadet
We host a 22 week Basic Police Academy which consists of training 40 hours per week. Upon successful completion of the academy, cadets participate in a minimum of 16 weeks Field Training before being assigned to solo patrol.
Lateral Police
We also offer a lateral academy for applicants with a minimum of 2 years of full time, certified police patrol experience with any city, state, or federal agency. The lateral academy is a minimum of 4 weeks followed by a minimum 30 days Field Training.
Can a police certification from another state be transferred to Tennessee?
Yes, under certain conditions. To determine if you’re out-of-state certification can be accepted in TN. You must attach a copy of your state POST Certificate and Curriculum on your application.
I am an out of state applicant. How many trips would I need to make to Chattanooga during the process?
During the hiring process, you should expect to make up to four trips to Chattanooga. The first trip would be for the written test, physical abilities test, and the submission of the require documents, information, all CPD authorization and consent forms and the interview questionnaire completed. The second trip would be for the polygraph examination and Final Panel Interview. If selected to proceed, you would return to complete the medical and psychological screening for clearance.
Can active duty, reserve, or military veterans apply?
Reserve and retired military may apply at any time. Remember that you must be between the ages of 21-39 years old at the time of your Oath swearing to become a sworn officer. Active duty military should time their application to begin approximately 2 to 3 months before their separation date.
Can military service time be bought into the pension?
No. There are no provisions in the pension to allow military time to be bought into the pension.
Does the police department have a tattoo policy?
Yes, it cannot be offensive to the public. Police officers are prohibited to have tattoos that would be visible above the collarbone, except cosmetic tattoos (tattoo makeup on the eyes, lips, or eyebrows with a natural appearance).
Examples of offensive tattoos, scarification, or brands prohibited by this order include but are not limited to:
- Depictions of intolerance or discrimination against any race, religion, gender, or national origin
- Sexually explicit or vulgar art, words, phrases, or profane language
- Symbols likely to incite a strong reaction in the workplace (for example, swastikas or similar symbols)
- Initials, acronyms, or numbers that represent criminal or historically oppressive organizations (for example, any street gang names, numbers, and/or symbols)
Is there a study guide for the Written test and Physical Agility Test (PAT)?
Please visit the requirement section on this page for study guide (Nelson-Dennis Reading Comprehension Test) and the PAT.
Can I apply if I have used drugs?
Your application will be disqualified if you have used or possessed illegal drugs within 1 to 10 years prior to your application depending on the drug. Also, any illegal sale of a controlled substance will disqualify your application.
Can I apply if I have been arrested?
Your arrest record will be scrutinized closely. Your application will be disqualified if you have been convicted of a felony, or convicted of any offense considered domestic violence. Your application will be disqualified if you have been convicted of certain misdemeanors involving perjury, false statement, or character within 5 years. You also may not have any currently pending charges.
If you have any questions, or need further assistance, you can email the Recruiting Unit at cpdrecruiting@chattanooga.gov