Knoxville PD Hiring Question

[bulldog1790]

Howdy. I thought about posting this in the Tennessee forum, but then thought better of it and decided it would be better for the Hiring Process forum. If that was incorrect, I apologize.

I have noticed a very long lead time for some of the other agencies across the country (recent post from NYPD says people are waiting 2 years) between the time applicants take the test and the time they begin the hiring process. I am curently Active Duty Coast Guard, but my plans for after retirement are to apply to KPD.

Here is my question: How long before I retire do I need to make contact with the recruiting office and begin the application process? In a perfect world, I would like to retire, move to Knoxville and go to the Academy (assuming I get hired) with minimal "down time". Would someone familiar with KPD be able to tell me what kind of time period I can expect for the whole process and when would be the ideal time (or even just a good WAG) for me to start?

I appreciate the input and your time.

Stay safe,
Bulldog