Cadet Program

Police Chief

Paul Noel
(865) 215-7000

Public Safety Complex
1650 Huron St.
Knoxville, TN 37917

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Sgt. Todd Foster
865-215-7158

To contact a recruiter, please call 865-215-7111 or visit www.JoinKnoxPD.com.


The Knoxville Police Department created the Police Cadet Program to enhance the recruitment of potential applicants for Police Officer. Applicants who wish to apply for a Police Cadet position should be between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty-one (21) years of age, pass a drug test, background check, polygraph test, and a comprehensive psychological examination.

Cadets receive training facilitated by the KPD training staff before starting their assignments, which include such details as:
  • Bicycle Patrols
  • Parking Enforcement
  • Traffic Control at special events
  • Help with KPD recruitment efforts
  • Sobriety Checkpoints
  • Safety demonstrations
  • Assist sworn Patrol Officers with various assignments
  • Take calls/reports from citizens in the teleserve unit 

The Police Cadet Program is an alternative for those applicants who are not old enough to be employed as Police Officers, yet wish to pursue a career in a Law Enforcement. The program allows such candidates to be employed in non-enforcement activities, while receiving law enforcement training. When a Cadet turns twenty-one (21) years of age they will be eligible for employment as a Knoxville Police Officer and can attend the Police Academy. Cadets currently receive the following benefits:
  • Salary of $31,439 per year
  • Ten (10) paid vacation days per year
  • Twelve (12) paid sick days per year
  • Yearly uniform allowance
  • Health, Dental and Life Insurance
  • Wellness and Employee Assistance Program
  • College reimbursement Program (Currently up to $3,000.00) 


Click here to view basic information on how to apply for a Cadet position.