Police Officer

Performs general or special duty police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Assignment may be as necessitated by department need (ex: CID, Patrol, Training, etc.)

• Click the link here KPD Background Packet to complete required background forms to be considered for employment.  The background forms are required to be completed and attached to the application to be considered.

• Click the link below for some highlights of this great career path! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xloqgJuq9iM

• A career in the Police Department gives you a retirement benefit plan with a Hybrid TCRS (TN Consolidated Retirement System) under the BRIDGE benefit.  The BRIDGE benefit has a mandatory retirement age of 60,  and is payable to the member from age 60 to age 62. It is a temporary benefit in addition to the member's monthly retirement benefit.

 *Please note, the timeframe after your application is submitted for the expected duration of the selection process:

1. Oral board interview;

 2) Chief interview if selected after Oral board interview; and

 3) Physical agility testing if selected after Chief interviews are conducted.

*Physical agility test includes 1 mile run under 12 minutes and successful completion of obstacle course.

If you are not selected,  you will be notified by email to the email address listed on your application.

• 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 intersection traffic lights and stop signs for possible violations; 

• May concentrate on DUI drivers and the traffic flow on arterials; runs periodic 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; 

• 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.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of applicable case law in the areas of 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 make effective decisions under pressure; 

• Skill in preparing clear, comprehensive and accurate reports; 

• Skill in the use of firearms and other police equipment.

Police Officer Qualifications

• Are you 21 yrs. of age or will you turn 21 yrs. of age within 6 months after the testing date?
• Are you a citizen of the United States?
• Are you a high school graduate or possess an equivalent degree (GED)?
• Do you possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license?

If your answer is No to any of the above questions (1-4), you are not eligible to be a police officer with the Kingsport Police Department.

5.Do you have or have you had any felony convictions or any misdemeanor convictions, pleaded guilty to, or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge or to any violation of any federal or state laws or city ordinances involving crimes or moral turpitude (i.e. force, violence (domestic), theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor, DUI, or controlled substances or analogues)?
6.Have you been released or discharged under any other than Honorable Discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States? 

 7.  Have you ever been decertified as a law enforcement officer by the POST commission?

If your answer is Yes to any of the above questions (5-7), you are not eligible to be a police officer with the Kingsport Police Department.

Minimum of high school diploma or high school equivalent. Additional education and/or experience accepted. Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid State of Tennessee or Virginia Driver's License. Must be, or able to become, POST certified.