Become an OFFICER
YOUR FIRST STEP STARTS HERE
SERVING THE COMMUNITY
6 IMPORTANT STEPS TO BECOMING AN OFFICER
STEP 1
Online Application

STEP 2
Take Written and Physical Exam

STEP 3
Sit for an Interview

STEP 4
Pass the Medical, Psychological, and Background Check

STEP 5
Enter the Academy

STEP 6
Receive Your Badge

STEP 1
ONLINE APPLICATION
Becoming an officer with the Knoxville Police Department starts by filling out an online job application and upload your:
- Resume
- Birth certification
- High school diploma or GED
- DD-214 if a military veteran
DO I QUALIFY?
- Is 21 years old by the start of the Police Academy.
- Has a high school diploma or GED.
- Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Legal Resident of the U.S. who is an Honorable Discharged Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces and applies for or obtains U.S. Citizenship within six years of hiring.
- Has a valid driver’s license.
- Has no felony convictions.
- Is in compliance with our tattoo policy.
- Has been Honorably Discharged if they served in the military.
- Can pass a psychological and physical exam and background check.
- Above all, shows integrity and good moral character.
STEP 2
TAKE WRITTEN AND PHYSICAL EXAMS
Next up is the written exam, physical performance test (PPT), and 1.5 mile run. You’ll receive an email within about a week of applying (if you haven’t received it, check your spam folder) that will inform you of your test date. Once you do, you’ll receive the necessary forms via email as well.
What to bring:
- Valid photo ID
- PPT Release of Liability Form
- Medical Release Forms
- Personal History Questionnaire
How do I prepare?
How to prepare for the written test:
The written test covers the following subjects: Arithmetic, Reading, Grammar, Writing, and Public Safety Practical Skills. This study guide can help you to prepare.
How to prepare for the PPT and 1.5-mile run:
The PPT is designed to test your ability to complete tasks that police officers will have to undertake—you’ll run up and down stairs; jump on, off, and over obstacles; and dodge obstacles, among other tasks. Dress in comfortable clothes (ie, workout clothing) and sneakers and remove all watches and loose jewelry. Read our detailed Preparation Guide for specifics on the test and how to prepare.
The 1.5-mile run must be completed in 16:30.
Testing Held
April 15 – May 19, 2021
STEP 3
SIT FOR AN INTERVIEW
Eligible applicants will be notified to schedule a selection interview with the KPD. The department then meets to narrow down the list of applicants, who then continue through the last (and lengthiest) step of the hiring process.
SIT FOR AN INTERVIEW
May 26 – June 4, 2021
STEP 4
Pass the Medical Exam and Background Investigation
Our process is a little more thorough than that of some departments. We wouldn’t have it any other way.
During the roughly 6 weeks that Internal Affairs spends delving into the backgrounds of applicants who have made it to this stage, those applicants complete the remaining portions of the background investigation: a psychological evaluation, drug and alcohol testing, and polygraph test. They also undergo a medical exam. We’ll walk you through the steps and answer any questions.
MEDICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM & BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
June 14 – Aug 30, 2021
STEP 5
ENTER THE ACADEMY
If you get to this step – congrats. Here’s what comes next.
The KPD Academy’s Basic Recruit Training consists of 24 weeks of intensive instruction and testing. You’ll cover topics ranging including city, state, and constitutional law; firearms; police driving; arrest procedures and report writing; cultural competency training; and criminal investigation training.
ABOUT THE ACADEMY
The KPD Academy is a nonresidential academy located in Knoxville that operates during daytime hours, Monday through Friday. After completing Basic Recruit Training and certification as a Police Officer, you’ll complete a 16-week FTO (Field Training Officer) program before being given a work assignment.
Academy Starts
September 13, 2021
STEP 6
Receive Your Badge
We serve a population of just under 200,000. We offer the kinds of opportunities and career potential you would find in a city much larger. Among them:
• Major Crimes Unit
• Family Crimes Unit
• Property Crimes Unit
• Organized Crimes Unit
• Forgery and Fraud Unit
• Internet Crime Against Children Task Force
• Safety Education Unit
• K-9 Unit
• Recruitment Section
• Motorcycle Unit
• Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit
• Repeat Offender Squad
• Crime Suppression Unit
• Training Unit Staff
• Administrative Staff
• Supervision
OUR SPECIAL TEAMS
- Special Operations Squad
- Bomb Squad
- Marine Unit
- Search and Recovery
- Honor Guard
- Peer Support Team
- Crisis Negotiation
- Mobile Field Force
- Patrol Rifle Officer
- K-9 Unit