FAQs

How do I attend the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy (TLETA)?

There are two (2) ways to attend TLETA:

Be already employed as a full time (twenty hours or more a week) commissioned law enforcement officer in Tennessee.  The agency will send you to the Academy.  You cannot apply as an individual.

OR

Our policy is to allow, on a space-available basis, attendance by fourth-year criminal justice majors of accredited colleges and universities whose course curriculum is recognized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, the Tennessee Board of Regents or University of Tennessee system for transfer credit hours. The fourth-year criminal justice major students must be sponsored by the chair of their criminal justice department.  Prospective recruits have to submit all of the usual pre-employment documentation along with their application and are responsible for the additional expenses of a medical and psychological examination, TBI/FBI background check, as well as liability and medical insurance. 

***Please note that "space available” means that officers already employed with a law enforcement agency take priority and there is almost always a waiting list for academy enrollment.

How do I get my transcript?

Contact Kelly Morgan via e-mail at kelly.morgan@tn.gov with the following information:

Full Name
Date of Birth
Last four (4) digits of your social security number.
Date of your basic police school graduation.
Phone number in case we need to contact you.
The email or mailing address where you want the transcript sent.

How do I obtain information about my POST record?

If you are an officer, member of the public or attorney needing information on you or another individual’s POST record or certification, please contact request.post@tn.gov.

What are the requirements for an officer coming from another state that would like to be hired as an officer in TN?

The Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission certifies all local law enforcement officers in Tennessee.  The POST Commission will not certify out of state or previously certified officers prior to their employment with a Tennessee department.  If all requirements are met, the POST Commission would be asked by the employing agency for permission for an out of state or formerly certified officer to be certified in Tennessee.  If approved, the officer would attend a three (3) week transition school at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy (TLETA) or a POST-approved lateral school for those departments that have their own academies.  The officer cannot have been convicted or have plead 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 relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor and other alcoholic beverages or any controlled substance that fall under the Tennessee Drug Control Act of 1989.

What if I was a previously certified TN officer but have had a break in service?

Prior Tennessee certified officers with up to a three (3) year break in service will be reinstated upon proper application.  Officers from out of state, and prior Tennessee certified officers with a three (3) to seven (7) year break in service must attend a three (3) week transition school at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy (TLETA) or a POST-approved lateral school for those departments that have their own academies.  Officers with more than a seven (7) year break in service are required to repeat basic law enforcement recruit school before being certified.

How do I get assistance regarding a legal problem? How do I get legal advice?

TLETA is not a law firm and cannot give legal advice. If you need legal assistance, here is a resource for you to use: http://www.justiceforalltn.com.

What are the graduation dates of the Basic Law Enforcement Schools?

Graduation for Class 2024 will be Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 10:00am at First Baptist Hendersonville, located at 106 Bluegrass Commons Blvd, Hendersonville, TN 37075.

Videos and/or photos will be posted on our website and the Commerce and Insurance Facebook page.

 

  

Can you send me information on attending the Academy?

We do not mail, fax or e-mail informational material regarding the Academy. If, after reviewing this website, you have additional questions, please contact (615) 741-4448.