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 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.

The Physical Agility Test is scheduled for November 9th, 2026. Interviews will be scheduled for the following week, November 16th. 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.

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.

• 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)…