Training
All officers must annually attend a minimum of 40 hours P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and
Training) approved training as required by the State of Tennessee.

Each regular officer is encouraged to attend other specialized training schools of their choice. All the
full-time officers are required to graduate from a P.O.S.T. approved academy and hold a current
Tennessee Police Officer Certification. In addition, all officers are trained in CPR and first aid.
Several officers have specialized training in various areas such as criminal investigation. Other areas
include one State Certified Training Officer, two officers are FBI/NRA certified firearms instructors,
one officer is a trained child abuse investigator, one holds a black belt in martial arts, one officer
is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy.

Drug Detection Team
The department also has a certified drug detection team consisting of one officer and one dog (K-9). One officer is a State of Tennessee certified D.A.R.E. officer (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and B.A.T.F. certified G.R.E.A.T. officer (Gang Resistance Education and Training).

D.A.R.E. Program
D.A.R.E. is a substance use prevention program designed to give young people the facts about drugs and alcohol. It also teaches them self-management skills and resistance skills. Our D.A.R.E. officer is currently teaching the program in Signal Mountain elementary schools.

DARE Program Takes on Bullying (article from www.dare.com)

G.R.E.A.T. Program
The G.R.E.A.T. program is designed to help middle school students become responsible members of their communities, by setting goals for themselves, resisting pressures, learning how to resolve conflicts, and understanding how gangs impact the quality of their life. G.R.E.A.T. is a nine-week program, culminating with a certificate of graduation, a new philosophical outlook concerning gang activity and the tools needed to resist gang pressure.

Mutual Aid Agreement
The department has a mutual aid agreement with other local law enforcement agencies through the Local Government Emergency Assistance Act of 1987.

Private Security Systems
Private security systems are encouraged. However, property owners should contact the Police Department and provide alarm related information as required by Town Ordinance #11-705.

Visible Street Address
Town Ordinance #16-201 requires all buildings within the Town to be identified with the proper street address in a location visible from the street.

Away From Home
It is requested that the Police Department be notified if you are going away on vacation. The department will check your residence on a daily basis while you are away.

This page was last modified on Friday, April 18, 2008 .