07/31/2026
Join Our Team!
The Jefferson City Police Department is now accepting applications for full-time police officers. Applications will be accepted until August 14, 2026.
JCPD is a state-accredited, 37-member law enforcement agency serving the municipal limits of Jefferson City, Tennessee.
Pay and Advancement
* Police Officer: Step 1 - $51,840 annually ($22.50 per hour; non-certified entry rate). Step 8 - $64,366.80 annually ($27.94 per hour).
* Corporal: Step 1 - $62,538 annually ($27.15 per hour). Step 8 - $75,063.60 annually ($32.58 per hour).
* Sergeant: Step 1 - $69,416.60 annually ($30.13 per hour). Step 8 - $83,321.40 annually ($36.17 per hour).
* Tennessee POST-certified officers with at least two years of sworn experience may qualify to begin at a higher pay step.
* Officers become eligible for promotion after three years of service, or after two years with an associate degree or an honorable military discharge.
* Annual cost-of-living adjustments are separate from step increases and are contingent upon City Council recommendation and approval.
Sign-On Bonuses for Qualified Candidates
* $10,000 for qualified Tennessee POST-certified officers.
* $8,000 for qualified non-certified applicants.
* For the certified-officer bonus, applicants cannot currently be employed in law enforcement and must not have been employed as a law enforcement officer during the previous year.
* Bonus payments begin incrementally at the six-month anniversary. Officers must remain employed with JCPD for at least three years to earn the full bonus.
Benefits and Employment Information
* BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to the individual employee.
* Family coverage is approximately $230 per month.
* $30,000 in life insurance at no cost to the employee.
* TCRS Legacy Plan retirement at no employee cost.
* 15 paid holidays, including a floating holiday.
* Paid vacation, sick leave, bereavement leave, and 20 days of military leave.
* Overtime opportunities and a liberal take-home vehicle policy.
* Required 12-hour day and night shifts, rotating every two months.
* Numerous training opportunities.
* Special assignments may include K-9, Investigations, SWAT, recruiting, training, and UAV operations.
* All equipment is furnished. Officers are issued a duty pistol with optic, patrol rifle with optic, off-duty or backup pistol, shotgun, and Taser.
* Visible tattoos are permitted within JCPD guidelines.
* Facial hair is limited to a mustache.
* Out-of-state applicants are welcome. Officers certified in another state must complete a Tennessee transition course that is primarily online.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
* Be at least 21 years old.
* Possess a valid Tennessee driver’s license.
* Be a high school graduate or possess an equivalent credential.
* Be physically fit and of good moral character.
* Pass an extensive background investigation.
* Pass medical and psychological examinations.
* Pass a drug screening.
* Have no felony convictions.
* Have never been dishonorably discharged from any branch of military service.
* Successfully complete the JCPD field training program and probationary period.
Apply online:
https://jeffersoncitytn.gov/city_services/employment_opportunities.php
Questions may be directed to the Jefferson City Police Department at (865) 475-2002.
Jefferson City, Tennessee, is an equal opportunity employer subject to applicable local, state, and federal laws, including FLSA, EEOC standards, the ADA, and City personnel policy.
