Police Officer Trainee (Non-Certified) External Candidates

About the Work Unit:

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is led by the Office of the Chief of Police in the Division of Administration. VUPS is a dedicated team of over 400 professionals united by a shared commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all in the Vanderbilt community, as well as the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Organized into several specialized units, our department includes commissioned officers, security professionals, and skilled administrative staff—all working collaboratively to uphold the highest standards of community-based policing. 

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Attend and successfully complete all phases of the police academy, including academic coursework, physical training, firearms qualification, and scenario-based exercises.
• Learn and apply laws, regulations, and departmental policies related to law enforcement.
• Participate in classroom instruction, practical exercises, and field training.
• Demonstrate proficiency in defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, report writing, and interpersonal communication.
• Maintain physical fitness and meet all required performance benchmarks.
• Uphold ethical standards and represent the agency with professionalism at all times.
• Prepare for transition into full Police Officer duties upon academy graduation.
• Assigned to work non-sworn assignments as needed in different areas of the department while waiting to attend the academy. 

Education and Certifications:

For external candidates:

• A Bachelor's Degree is required.
• 21 years of age is required.
• Meet all physical agility of the training division prior to attending the academy is required. 
• Acceptance into an accredited, approved Police Academy is required.
• Meet all the requirements for P.O.S.T. certification in Tennessee is required.
• Possession of a special police commission from the Chief Law Enforcement official in Metropolitan Nashville is required. 

Experience and Skills:

• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. 
  • Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.
• Ability to meet physical fitness standards required for academy admission is required. 
• Meet all the requirements for P.O.S.T. certification, including completing basic recruit training at a P.O.S.T. approved law enforcement training academy within the first nine (9) months of employment, is required.
• Successful completion of the annual department-authorized and POST-approved in-service training course consisting of at least forty (40) hours of instruction is required. 
• Successful completion of the department field training program within the designated time frame is required.
• A strong sense of ethics and personal accountability is required.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills is required. 
• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure and diverse environments is required.
• Commitment to community engagement and public safety is required.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to evolving law enforcement practices is required.  

Additional Information

• This is a non-sworn position until successful completion of the police academy.
• Trainees are expected to maintain full-time availability during academy training.
• Uniforms and equipment will be provided.
• Upon graduation, promotion to Police Officer is contingent upon performance and agency needs.

Physical Requirements

In addition to meeting P.O.S.T. requirements, Police Officer Trainees must be able to: 

• Stand for long periods of time

• Walk, climb, and lift

• Meet written departmental standards on appearance/grooming

• Pass a thorough background investigation that demonstrates –<