Tenn. Code Ann. § 41-1-116: Qualifications of correction officers

Any person employed as a correctional officer by the department of correction shall:

(1) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;

(2) Be a citizen of the United States;

(3) Be a high school graduate or its equivalent as determined by the board of control of the Tennessee corrections institute;

(4) Have fingerprints on file with the Tennessee bureau of investigation;

(5) Have passed a physical examination by a licensed physician;

(6) Have a good moral character as determined by investigation;

(7) Have been certified by a Tennessee licensed health care provider qualified in the psychiatric or psychological field as being free from any impairment, as set forth in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association at the time of the examination, that would, in the professional judgment of the examiner, affect the applicant's ability to perform any essential function of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation; and

(8) Have successfully completed appropriate basic training at the Tennessee corrections institute as prescribed by the board of control of the institute. This requirement must be met within six (6) months from the initial date of employment. An extension of this time period may be granted to present correctional employees by the board of control of the institute. The employees shall also complete appropriate refresher courses each year as prescribed by the board of control of the institute.