Entry-Level Police Officer Trainee:

Police recruits with no law enforcement experience spend about 8 to 10 weeks in in-house training prior to beginning field training, which is 14 weeks long. These recruits will also complete a certifying state basic police academy, which is 10 weeks long. This academy requires the trainee to spend stay overnight over the course of the academy, and home on weekends.

Lateral POST Certified Police Officer:

Tennessee POST certified lateral officers spend about 4 to 6 weeks in in-house training prior to beginning field training, which can last from 8 to 14 weeks.

Out of state POST certified lateral officers spend about 6 to 8 weeks in in-house training prior to beginning field training, which can last from 8 to 14 weeks.