The Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy (T.L.E.T.A.) was authorized by the 1963 General Assembly for the purpose of training state, county and city law enforcement officers. The Academy was brought under the Department of Safety in 1983.

In 1999, the Academy was awarded accreditation by the Commission on Law Enforcement Accreditation Inc., (CALEA), along with other Department of Safety law enforcement divisions. This year, T.L.E.T.A. expects to train more law enforcement officers than ever before through its Basic Police Recruit and specialized training courses.

T.L.E.T.A. also offers Community Policing, Anti-Gang training courses and other training at various sites around the state. This method of training allows officers to receive in-service and advanced training near their duty stations. Goals:

• To provide excellent instruction in basic, advanced and technical subjects for the Tennessee law enforcement community
• To employ teaching methods best suited for the subject taught and the student's particular learning needs
• To continually upgrade course content with the latest research and recommended professional practices
• To stimulate inquiry and provide fresh perspectives on the law enforcement career

There are five 10-week Basic Police Schools held each year at the Academy.   Just in the past five years, TLETA has graduated 1,875 basic police students.  We also train between 2,000 and 5,000 specialized course students per year.

History of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy - click here