NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A study from WalletHub ranks Tennessee as one of the worst states for police officers.
Tennessee came in at 45 on the study’s “Best States to be a Cop” list. Kentucky was ranked 49th above Arkansas and Louisiana, respectively.
New York came in at number one on the list.
WalletHub compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia across three factors: opportunity and competition, job hazards, and quality of life.
“We evaluated those dimensions using 27 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for police officers. We then determined each state and the District’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample,” the study said.
Tennessee was tied with New Mexico and Alaska at 48 when it comes to the highest violent crime rate.
We spoke with James Smallwood, the president of the local fraternal order of police. He says the study doesn't shock him, especially when looking at the pay.
"A recent study came out and said it costs $80,000 for someone to live in Nashville. But you start off with an entry level of making #39,000 a year. Even with 6.4 percent increase no where near to live comfortably in city of Nashville," said Smallwood.
He adds that officers aren't feeling supported by the city. Right now, metro police are understaffed according to Smallwood.
