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