41-1-116 - Qualifications of correction officers.
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) Be free from all apparent mental disorders. Correctional officers hired after January 1, 1984, must be certified as meeting this criterion by a qualified professional in the psychiatric or psychological fields; 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. The provisions of this subdivision (8) shall not be applicable until the Tennessee corrections institute becomes fully operative.
[Acts 1976, ch. 825, § 2; T.C.A., § 41-136; Acts 1991, ch. 276, § 1.]