I used to be a law enforcement officer in TN, and it depends on which agency you decide to work for. Most city, county, and state officers go to the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in Nashville (that's where I went). From there, if you work for Nashville Metro, they have their own academy. If you decide to be a trooper, they also have their own academy.
It all depends on what type of work you want to do w/in criminal justice. If you want alot of action, I would look at Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, or Chattanoga, as those are some of the larger depts. But, there are also lesser known agencies like Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), Tennessee State Parks, County / City School Resource Officers, University Police (UT, MTSU, Tech, etc.) and the Greater Nashville Airport (officers have to be both firefighters and police officers).
Unfortunately, there has been a big outbreak of meth in TN, esp. in the rural areas. The rural depts. have been doing battle w/meth labs for awhile, too. Some of the smaller rural areas have a wider jurisdiction, but their pay is sometimes lower and resources can be scarce, whereas you have more officers in a metro area and the pay can be higher.
Either direction you go, you'll have to attend a police academy, which can be 3-6 months in length. Depending on the area of TN you decide to choose, you may have to ride along and work with an FTO (field training officer) before you attend the academy.
Having said all that, the law enforcement community in TN is very strong, and they are some of the greatest ppl. I have ever met. I'm sure you would be welcomed here and good luck!
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