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Police Recruitment

Make a Difference in Your Community. Serve and protect Chattanooga as a part of the Chattanooga Police Department.

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How to Become a Chattanooga Police Officer

  1. Meet the Requirements: Review and ensure you meet the criteria outlined below.
  2. Submit Your Application: Apply here; we will contact you shortly after.
  3. Pass the Entry-Level Written Exam: View the sample here.
  4. Complete the Physical Agility Test: Available most Fridays. Watch the instructional video.
  5. Undergo Preliminary Screening: This includes a questionnaire, background check, and polygraph examination.
  6. Final Evaluation: Attend a final interview, medical exams, and drug testing.
  7. Choose Your Path: Join our Early Hire program or await the next Police Academy session.
  8. Attend the 22-Week Police Academy: Complete extensive training in the region’s premiere police academy.
  9. Engage in 16 Weeks of Field Training: Gain hands-on experience with an experienced Field Training Officer.

Have more questions? Email the Recruiting Team at CPDRecruiting@chattanooga.gov.

Career Paths

With over 35 specialized units, CPD offers diverse career opportunities. After three years of patrol service, you can request an assignment to one of the following:

  • Homicide Investigations

  • S.W.A.T.

  • Narcotics & Vice

  • Drone Operations

  • Special Victims Unit

  • Real-Time Intelligence

  • Community Outreach

  • K9 Officer

  • Training Instructor

  • Crime Scene Investigations

Police Officer Hiring Requirements

To become a police officer with CPD, you must meet these essential criteria set by Tennessee law and Chattanooga ordinances:

  • Age: At least 21 and under 40 upon completion of the 22-week academy.
  • Fitness: Successfully complete a physical agility test.
  • Education: High school diploma or GED required.
  • Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States.
  • Criminal Record: No felony convictions or serious violations of law. For more information please see the FAQ section.
  • Residency Requirement: Must be residents of the state of Tennessee.
  • Driver's license: Must have a valid driver's license.
  • Military: Honorable military discharge, if applicable.
  • To file an application, contact the City Human Resources Department.

To file an application, apply here.

The Chattanooga Police Department is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, religion, ethnicity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation, in compliance with applicable laws.

Applied previously? 

If you’ve applied before but were not selected, you can reapply by updating and resubmitting your application. Successful written test scores are valid for 3 years, and physical agility scores are valid for 1 year.

Lateral Entry Requirements

Are you a certified law enforcement officer looking to join us? Here’s what you need:

  • Experience: Minimum of 2 years of patrol experience as a certified officer; no more than a 2-year break in service.

  • Certification: Must be currently or previously certified from any state.

  • Requirements: Meet all other selection criteria for police officers.

Accepted lateral candidates will receive a bonus for up to four years based on their experience. They will attend a modified Police Academy and Field Training program.

The Chattanooga Police Academy

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. The following is a list of just some of the subjects that are taught in the basic academy:

  • Criminal Law

  • Cultural Diversity

  • Laws of Arrest

  • Search and Seizure

  • Firearms Training

  • Building Search Techniques

  • Unarmed Self-Defense

  • Defensive Driving

  • Physical Fitness

  • Spanish for Law Enforcement

  • Report Writing

  • Traffic Accident Investigation

  • DUI Enforcement

Physical Agility Test

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Chattanooga Police Car

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. 

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 Police Academy?

Police Cadet 

We host a 22 week paid 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:

  1. Depictions of intolerance or discrimination against any race, religion, gender, or national origin
  2. Sexually explicit or vulgar art, words, phrases, or profane language
  3. Symbols likely to incite a strong reaction in the workplace (for example, swastikas or similar symbols)
  4. Initials, acronyms, or numbers that represent criminal or historically oppressive organizations (for example, any street gang names, numbers, and/or symbols)

Can I apply if I have used drugs?

Your application will be disqualified if you have used or possessed illegal drugs within a timeframe of 1 to 10 years before your application date, depending on the specific drug involved. Additionally, any involvement in the illegal sale of a controlled substance will result in disqualification.

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 

What is the Early Hire Program?

The Early Hire Program enables applicants to start working before the next Police Academy session begins. Participants engage in physical training with an assigned sergeant and take on various supportive roles within the department, such as Tele-Serve reporting, inventory management, community outreach, and other necessary physical or clerical tasks. This program aims to help applicants become familiar with the department, build connections with their peers, and prepare mentally and physically for the upcoming Police Academy.

Contact Us

Address
3410 Amnicola Hwy.
Chattanooga,TN 37406
Call
(423) 643-5000 (423) 643-5000

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.