Patrol Officer

job description

posted thursday, january 22, 2026 at 7:00 am

position title:

law enforcement patrol officer

department:

police department

flsa status:

non–exempt / hourly

grade:

h

starting:

$24.66

supervision:

police sergeant

last reviewed:

12/9/25

protect. Serve. Belong.

step into a career where you make a difference every single day. As a patrol officer with the city of la vergne, you’ll serve a growing community that values its officers and invests in their future. This is more than a job; it’s a calling, and we back it with pay, benefits, and incentives that rival any in tennessee law enforcement:

• hiring bonuses available
  : eligible officers may qualify for up to $10,000 in recruitment and retention bonuses through the state of tennessee, paid over three years (first-come, first-served while funds last).
• clear pay progression
  :
  • uncertified candidates start at $24.66/hour, move to $25.40/hour upon academy graduation, and then to $26.16/hour after completing the fto program.
  • certified transfer candidates start at $26.95/hour.
• 100% paid insurance for you and your family
  — health, dental, vision, life, disability, and even lasik.
• retirement you can count on
  : 401(a) with 4.5% city contribution plus a 457 plan with matching up to 3.5%, vested immediately.
• paid time off that respects your life
  : vacation, sick, personal days, 12 holidays, and your birthday off.
• longevity pay & incentives
  : annual service bonuses, plus incentive pay for advanced certifications.
• professional growth
  : continuous training, career advancement opportunities, and support through confidential employee programs.

job summary

under the direct supervision of the field training officer (fto) and shift sergeant, this sworn law enforcement position is responsible for: the protection of the lives, property, safety, and security of the citizens and visitors of the city of la vergne; to enforce the laws of the state of tennessee and ordinances of the city of la vergne; and to serve all the citizens equally and impartially with professionalism, integrity, honor, and respect, in accordance with their oath of honor, the law enforcement code of ethics, the canons of law enforcement ethics, departmental general orders, policies and procedures, as well as the mission and vision of the la vergne police department.

This is a safety-sensitive position

essential duties and responsibilities

• patrol a designated area of the city by operating a patrol motor vehicle or on foot for extended periods of time, to prevent or discover criminal activity, identify needs for community problem-solving, or as a showing of police presence as a deterrent to crime.
• respond to and investigate various types of calls-for-service involving traffic crashes, misdemeanors, felonies, city, state, or federal offenses, nuisances, as well as other calls that benefit and provide care and concern for the citizens of la vergne.
• use problem-solving skills, creativity, and innovative approaches to identify citizens’ concerns, present options for courses of action, identify resources, plan for implementation of desired changes, and evaluate success.
• coordinate information and resources among other department employees, public and private agencies, and citizens regarding crime problems and solutions.
• recognize suspicious behaviors or circumstances involving persons that may indicate involvement in criminal offenses, stopping and interviewing, and completing field interview cards.
• demonstrate and maintain the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using a calm demeanor.
• demonstrate and maintain the ability to analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective, reasonable, and legal course of action; this includes the ability to remain calm, composed, undistracted, and in full control of cognitive abilities while functioning in hostile or dangerous situations, up to and including deadly force.
• must be able to maintain rational, cognitive decision-making abilities and self-control in situations or environments that may be personally offensive, or which involve considerable stress, danger, personal risk, violence, or hostility. This includes the ability to exercise restraint when verbally or…