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Hiring Standards

Education Requirements

Applicants must have one of the following:

  • Two years (60 Semester hours) of general academic studies from an accredited college or university with an overall Grade Point Average of 2.0 (“C” Average) on a 4.0 scale. Hours for remedial courses will not be counted. The cumulative hours and Grade Point Average (GPA) must appear on the transcript. Candidates must submit “official” transcripts that meet Metro’s Educational Standards. At least one half of the total hours must be taken in residence, no more than half may be earned in non-traditional credits; or
  • At least 2 years of active duty military and possess a high school diploma or GED. Must not have been released or discharged under other than Honorable from any of the Armed Forces of the United States; or
  • A high school diploma or GED and documentation of a minimum of 2 years full-time law enforcement experience in a patrol capacity with a certification from Tennessee P.O.S.T. or equivalent State certification board; or
  • A high school diploma or GED and have 3 years of full time (40 hour per week) responsible work experience.

Other Requirements

Applicants must also:

  • Be a minimum of 21 years of age by the time you start the MNPD Training Academy.
  • Have normal depth perception and must meet minimum color vision requirements to perform essential job functions. Candidates passing the PIP, Farnsworth D-15 or the HRR 4th Edition color vision test, with a color vision deficiency severity classification no greater than “mild” or “medium”, will be deemed to have met the color vision requirement.
  • Have a valid “Class D” Driver’s License.
  • 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.
  • Have not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge or to any violations of any federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor, or controlled substance.
  • All arrest history should be expunged and the expungement paperwork must be included with the personal history statement.
  • Your driving record will be considered part of the background investigation for this position. Multiple offenses and/or chargeable accidents are grounds for disqualification or removal from the eligibility register.
  • Honorable discharge from Military Service (if applicable).
  • Meet standards set by the Tennessee Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly on June 24, 1983, T.C.A. 38-8-106.

Previous Drug Use Criteria

  • Drug use will be viewed in the context of the applicant’s age at the time of use, type of drug, how recently it was used, and the frequency of use. No illegal drug use will be allowed within 12 months of the date of application. No marijuana use within 6 months of application.
  • Although CBD is not considered illegal in Tennessee, you should be cautioned that the use of CBD could potentially cause you to test positive on a drug screen for marijuana, which would disqualify you from moving forward in the process.
  • No sale of any drugs.
  • Could have permanent disqualification for use of heroin, LSD, PCP, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine or similar substances.
  • Any prior drug use, admitted or discovered, will be evaluated in determining employment eligibility.
  • No pattern of abuse of legal or legend drugs (including steroids).
  • Must pass polygraph or CVSA concerning use.

Tattoos, Body Art, and Physical Alterations

All employees shall adhere to generally accepted business standards for appearance with respect to body art and physical alterations. Face tattoos are not permitted.  Neck tattoos that are exposed even with a collared shirt, and hand tattoos will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

  • Tattoos of an offensive or provocative nature are prohibited.
  • Tattoos and brands visible on the body that are obscene and/or advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination are prohibited.
  • Employees are prohibited from displaying excessive tattoos or body paintings that would detract from an appropriate professional appearance.
  • Visible physical alterations of the body that are not consistent with generally acceptable business standards of appearance are prohibited. (i.e. tongue splitting).
  • These provisions would not preclude employees from undergoing required medical procedures to ensure the health of the employee.

If you have questions concerning this policy, please contact our Recruitment Office at 615-862-7341 or email a recruiter at Recruitment@Nashville.gov.