Police Officer (Trainee)

Job Description

Job Description

THIS JOB POSTING IS INTENDED FOR APPLICANTS WHO ARE NOT CURRENTLY POST-CERTIFIED OFFICERS. APPLICANTS WHO ALREADY POSSESS A VALID POST CERTIFICATION SHOULD APPLY THROUGH THE CERTIFIED OFFICER POSTING.

Position Title: Police Officer Pay Grade: I-PD Department: Police FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Reports To: Patrol Sergeant Safety Sensitive: Yes Position Supervises: No Date Approved: 10/2013 On-Call Requirement: No Date Revised: 04/2026

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required, and subject to change, as approved by the City Manager.

JOB SUMMARY:

Employees in this class are under the general supervision of the Patrol Sergeant and are responsible for the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances, work is often performed under emergency conditions and may involve considerable personal risks.

Examples of work performed: Enforces laws and ensures public safety by protecting life and property; performs routine patrol in vehicle or on foot, usually while working alone; answers calls, investigates accidents; directs and controls traffic; conducts investigations; appears in court and orally presents facts and evidence; prepares, obtains, and serves warrants; transports prisoners to and from jails and mental health facilities; responds to alarms; operates firearms, communication equipment, police vehicles, radar, and other emergency and non-­emergency equipment; requires the ability to administer first aid and CPR; may serve as relief radio communications operator; may be assigned special tasks such as bicycle patrol, accreditation officer, drug task force, victim services officer, critical response team member, K-9 officer, traffic accident specialist, crisis negotiation team member, field training officer, crime scene technician, etc.; maintains equipment; attends training, performs related duties as required. Work is performed with limited latitude exercising independent judgment and action as directed by shift supervision.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, codes, and ordinances

Knowledge of city street locations and names

Knowledge of departmental operational standards and procedures

Knowledge of City's personnel policies and procedures

Knowledge of court system and presentation of evidence

Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations

Ability to perform emergency first aid and CPR

Ability to operate a variety of equipment such as two-way radio, firearms, cameras, baton, radar gun, etc

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Ability to make independent judgements in absence of supervision

Ability to negotiate obstacles and use the physical strength and agility necessary to subdue resisting suspects

Ability to safely operate a police vehicle in emergency situations

Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public and co-workers

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must meet the Minimum Standards Law (TCA 38-8-106), and possess a valid Tennessee Driver's License, and be 21 years of age. High school diploma or equivalent required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Sixty semester hours in criminal justice, police science, sociology, or other law enforcement-related courses preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical:

Requires excellent physical condition, agility, and strength. Must be able to run, crawl, squat, push, pull, jump, climb, and lift objects weighing up to 100 pounds occasionally. Requires good eyesight, hearing, hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and reaction time in driving and handling firearms and other equipment and situations. Must have effective verbal and written communication abilities. Must be able to work all shifts.

Environmental:

Must be able to work in all weather extremes.

FULL TIME BENEFITS SUMMARY:

Medical
Dental
Vision
Paid Life Insurance
Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Account
Voluntary Benefits
Pension and 401k Retirement Savings
Paid Holidays
Paid Sick time – 8 hours/month
Paid Vacation time – 8 hours/month

City of Cookeville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring decisions are administered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Qualified individuals with known disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the Human Resources division at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com.