Become an OFFICER

YOUR FIRST STEP STARTS HERE

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

6 IMPORTANT STEPS TO BECOMING AN OFFICER

STEP 1

Online Application
Online Application

STEP 2

Sit for an Interview
Sit for an Interview

STEP 3

Pass the Medical, Psychological, and Background Check
Pass the Medical, Psychological, and Background Check

STEP 4

Take Physical Exam
Take Written and Physical Exam

STEP 5

Enter the Academy
Enter the Academy

STEP 6

Receive Your Badge
Become an Officer

STEP 1

Becoming an officer with the Knoxville Police Department starts by filling out an online job application and upload your:

  • Resume
  • Birth certificate
  • High school diploma or GED
  • DD-214 if a military veteran

DO I QUALIFY?

  • Is 21 years old at the time of application.
  • Has a high school diploma or GED.
  • Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Legal Resident of the U.S. 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.

Applications Accepted

Continuously

STEP 2

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 20-31, 2024

STEP 3

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 the Background Unit 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.

Contact a recruiter at 865-215-7111 for more information about employment standards and causes for absolute rejection.

MEDICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM & BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

July 1-August 8, 2024

STEP 4

TAKE PHYSICAL EXAM

Next up is the physical performance test (PPT) and 1.5 mile run. You’ll receive an email 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

How do I prepare?

How to prepare for the PPT and 1.5-mile run:
Information about the Physical Performance Test (PPT) will be provided at a later date in the hiring process. The PPT is a fitness test that includes components such as push-ups, sit-ups, a 1.5-mile run and similar exercises that are timed. 

Testing Held

TBD

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 23, 2024

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:

• Patrol Operation
• 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
• Neighborhood Bike Unit
• 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

Begin Career

March 2025

More questions?

Just ask a Recruiter

Contact
Officer

A. Uniformed employees are permitted to have visible tattoos, providing that the tattoos are only visible on the arm(s) and the leg(s) while wearing any authorized KPD uniform.

B. Tattoos will not be permitted to be visible from the line where the wrist meets the hand and through the end of the fingers.

C. Tattoos will not be permitted to be visible above the collar bone.

D. Visible tattoo(s) that are inappropriate in nature will not be permitted. Tattoos considered inappropriate include, but are not limited to:

1. Any tattoo that contains nudity

2. Any tattoo that contains vulgarity

3. Any tattoo that symbolizes gang activity

4. Any tattoo that is sexually suggestive

5. Anything racial, sexist or ethnically motivated.