Police Department

Police Department Training Academy

The Metro Police Training Academy has been developing elite police officers since 1970. In addition to being one of the most respected police academies in the country, it is a CALEA accredited public safety training academy.

The primary role of the Training Division is the operation of the Police Training Academy where, through the training of officers in law, ethics, fitness, and community service, the highest level of professional law enforcement performance is achieved. All basic training is approved and monitored by the Tennessee Peace Officers Standards Training (P.O.S.T.) Commission.

Basic Police Training

Because our commitment to the citizens of Nashville demands that only the highest caliber individual serve as a police officer, our selection process is lengthy and competitive. The Metro Police Department is not in the habit of just handing out badges; to get one, you have to earn it.

The Academy is a commuter academy meaning that trainees go home every evening. They will attend training Monday through Friday and will be paid during their time at the Academy. In addition to earning a paycheck, trainees will also be furnished with all necessary training equipment.

The basic training program is designed to challenge the trainee both mentally and physically. Over the course of approximately 25 weeks, trainees receive instruction in the following topic areas:

Professional and Ethical Conduct
Reality Based Training
First Aid Emergency Medical Training
Patrol Procedures
Civil Disturbance Management
Community Service Outreach/Projects
Report Writing
Firearms
Community Oriented Policing
Physical Defense Techniques
Basic Drug Investigation
Traffic (Traffic control, crash investigation, DUI enforcement, traffic stops)
Active Killer Response
Criminal and Constitutional Law and Procedures
Radio Communications
Human Relations
Mental Illness
Criminal Justice System
Police Stress
Emergency Vehicle Operation
Diversity and Cultural Awareness
Physical Training
Spanish

Physical Fitness

For police officers, physical fitness is a critical element of not only the safety of the officer and their peer officers, but also the safety of the citizens. Trainees must be able to run at a 10-12 minute pace for at least 2 miles upon entering the Academy. Throughout their training, they will be tested regularly on their physical fitness level. Before graduating the basic training program, the trainee must be able to:

Complete a 1.5 mile run in 14:20 or less
Complete a 300 meter pursuit run in 62 seconds or less
Perform 35 or more proper sit-ups in 1 minute
Perform 32 proper push-ups (not timed)

recruit class running in formation

Graduation

The Graduation Ceremony represents the successful completion of the Basic Training Academy and is a memorable occasion for all officers.

police officers with hands raised

The following special awards are presented at graduation:

Academic Excellence Award presented by American Legion Post #5.
Officer Christy Dedman Spirit Award.
Physical Fitness Award.
Michael Petrina Leadership Award.
Law Award.
Firearms Award.
Top Cop Award

After Graduation

After graduation, officers are on probation for six months while they train/patrol with Field Training Officers (FTO's) in preparation for solo patrol duty.

In-service Training

State law and department policy require all sworn officers to attend an annual in-service training program consisting of a minimum of forty hours of relevant topics. Officers must also qualify with any firearm they carry twice yearly. Officers earn $600 (state supplemented) in addition to their regular salary for this training.