Police Officer

Position Summary:
Performs general or special duty police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Assignments may vary based on department needs (e.g., CID, Patrol, Training, etc.).

Preference:
Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated a sustained interest in law enforcement through education, prior related work experience, military service, or other backgrounds that show strong potential for success in a policing career. *Must be 21 years of age.

Application Process:

1. Online Application: Complete the online application for this position and include your completed background forms.

2. Background Packet: Complete the required background forms here: Background Packet. The background packet must be completed and submitted along with your online application to be considered.

Selection Process:

The Physical Agility Test is scheduled for May 18, 2026, with interviews to follow later that week. Additional details will be provided to applicants selected to proceed in the process.

• Physical Agility Test: Includes a 1-mile run under 12 minutes and successful completion of obstacle and weapons manipulation courses.
• Oral Board Interview
• Chief Interview (if selected after the Oral Board)

Those who successfully complete all phases of the process including the agility test, oral board panel interview, and Chief's interview will remain on the eligibility roster for twelve months or until the next testing date is announced. The hiring process will generally take no longer than eight weeks from the date of the initial testing. If a position becomes available during that time, we will contact eligible candidates to confirm continued interest and move forward as appropriate.

It is the policy of the Kingsport Police Department that candidates who are not selected and wish to be considered for future openings must reapply through the City’s website when a new job posting and testing process are announced.

Candidates not selected will be notified via email using the address provided on the application.

Professional Standards:
The Kingsport Police Department upholds strict professional appearance standards, including restrictions on tattoos. Tattoos above the collarbone or below the wrist are prohibited. Failure to meet this standard will render an applicant ineligible for testing or employment. For complete guidelines, refer to Kingsport Police Department General Order 406.1: Uniform, Clothing, Dress, and Appearance.

Career Highlights:

• Learn more about a career with us: Career Overview Video

• Retirement Benefits: Employees participate in the Hybrid TCRS (TN Consolidated Retirement System) under the BRIDGE benefit. This includes a temporary benefit payable from age 60 to 62 in addition to monthly retirement benefits. Mandatory retirement age is 60.

• Work normally consists of routine patrol of a designated area of city and/or areas which have a high incidence of accidents or crime and school zones during peak student traffic; 
• Monitors intersections, traffic lights, and stop signs for possible violations; 
• May concentrate on DUI drivers and the traffic flow; 
• Performs periodic vacation and business checks;
• Prevents and discovers commission of crimes; 
• Apprehends criminals and offenders; 
• Makes presence known consistent with community policing and in a manner which contributes to deterrence and solving of crime; 
• Answers calls/radio complaints involving fire, vehicle accidents, robberies, domestic violence situations, neighborhood disturbances and other misdemeanors, felonies, or service calls; 
• Secures crime scene;
• Conducts preliminary investigations, gathers evidence, obtains witnesses and issues citations or makes arrests if appropriate; 
• Interviews witnesses, gathers information, and prepares detailed report; 
• Prepares case files for court prosecution, interviewing, and interrogation; 
• Participates in annual and other regular training programs in police methods and procedure, target practice and related subjects; 
• Testifies as a witness in court proceedings and participates in community service activities as a spokesperson of the department;
• Maintains case files;
• Provides assistance to motorist as appropriate;
• Communicates effectively and coherently over police radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications;
• Provides assistance to other officers as needed;
• Performs flexible unit assignments;
• Responds, as needed, during critical incidents and other emergencies;
• Remain knowledgeable on city and departmental policies and stays current on changing laws, ordinances and court rulings; 
• Serve on a committee; and 
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

• All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications established by the Tennessee Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission which are as follows:
  • Must be at least 21 years old or reach your 21st birthday before graduating from the academy.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident of the U.S. and an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. armed forces; provided that citizenship is obtained or applied for within six years of the employment start date with the law enforcement agency.
  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Have no conviction or nolo contendere plea for any felony charge or law violation involving force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor, or controlled substances.
  • Have no discharge from the U.S. armed forces other than honorable.
• Knowledge of applicable case law in the areas of use of force, vehicular pursuits, arrest, probable cause, and search and seizure; 
• Knowledge of departmental procedures, rules, and regulations; 
• Knowledge of police methods, practices, and procedures with the ability to recall and apply this knowledge to specific situations; 
• Knowledge of the geography of the City of Kingsport and surrounding community including the location of important buildings; 
• Skill in dealing courteously, but firmly, with people; 
• Skill in applying good judgment and making effective decisions under pressure; 
• Skill in preparing clear, comprehensive, and accurate reports; 
• Skill in the use of firearms and other police equipment.

Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is required. While no previous experience is necessary, two years of experience or coursework in criminal justice or a related field is preferred. Additional qualifications, such as POST certification, successful completion of a post–high school course or F.T.O. training program, successful completion of probation, or any equivalent combination of training and experience, will also be considered. Applicants must possess a current and valid State of Tennessee or Virginia Driver’s License. Relevant experience and certifications will be taken into account when determining starting pay.

The City of Kingsport does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations.

Salary : $47,840 - $50,523