Police Officer - Certified

Emergency & Non-Emergency Response

• Serve as the first responder to all emergency calls, including criminal activity in progress, alarms, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous material incidents, and medical emergencies.

• Respond to non-emergency calls for service, addressing general security concerns and coordinating with internal departments or external agencies as needed.

• Perform protective services such as money/personnel escorts and secure transportation or detention of psychiatric patients in compliance with legal requirements.

• Provide mutual aid and backup support to fellow officers and assist other law enforcement agencies when necessary.

Investigation and Enforcement

• Conduct preliminary investigations of reported crimes, accidents, and incidents, ensuring proper identification, collection, and preservation of evidence.

• Secure crime scenes and maintain integrity throughout investigative processes.

• Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects; advise individuals on available resources and legal procedures.

• Perform field stops, interviews, and enforce laws through arrests, citations, or warnings in accordance with departmental policy and state regulations.

• Process and maintain custody of arrested individuals during booking procedures.

• Prepare and submit accurate and thorough offense reports, follow-up documentation, and administrative forms.

Judicial and Administrative Proceedings

• Appear in court as a prosecuting officer or witness, providing accurate and professional testimony.

• Prepare detailed reports and documentation for judicial and administrative purposes.

• Testify at university administrative or disciplinary hearings as required.

Special Events and Assignments

• Provide essential security, crowd control, and order maintenance for special events, including athletic competitions, concerts, commencement, and visiting dignitaries.

• Coordinate security operations and logistics with other agencies as necessary.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility and reports administratively and functionally to the assigned shift Sergeant and the chain of command. 

Qualifications:

Education

• A High School Diploma or General Educational Development (G.E.D.) equivalent is required.

• Must be at least 21 years of age.

• Certifications & Licensing

• Ability to obtain a special police commission from the Chief Law Enforcement Official in Metropolitan Nashville within nine (9) months and maintain annual recommissioning.

• Ability to meet requirements for Tennessee P.O.S.T. certification within the first nine (9) months of appointment.

• Successful completion of an annual department-authorized and POST-approved in-service training course (minimum 40 hours).

• Must successfully complete the department Field Training Program (FTP) within the designated timeframe.

• Experience

• One (1) to three (3) years of experience as a police officer is required.

• Must complete and pass the departmental competency examination for consideration.

• Background & Health Requirements

• Must pass a thorough background investigation and drug test demonstrating good moral character, a good driving record, and no prior criminal convictions that would prohibit certification under the State of Tennessee Private Protective Services Act.

• Must pass a medical and psychological evaluation.

• Must obtain required immunizations and medical tests for work in patient care and high-risk areas.

• Skills

• Strong organizational, interpersonal, intercultural, communication, and presentation skills.

• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.

• Ability to maintain harmonious relationships within the department.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand for long periods, walk, climb, and lift; meet departmental standards for appearance and grooming.

• Must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays, and in inclement or extreme weather conditions.

• Must be able to use precautionary equipment (e.g., TB mask) and may encounter hazardous materials, infectious diseases, blood-borne pathogens, loud noises, and potential physical danger from violent individuals.

• May be confined to a patrol car for an entire shift.