Tennessee Code Title 13. Public Planning and Housing § 13-20-419

(a) In cities with a population of over one hundred thousand (100,000), according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, each housing authority, managing and operating housing projects for persons of low income under this chapter may, if funds can be provided for this purpose, provide a security force for such project to assure the safety of the tenants and their property and the safety and the protection of the premises.

(b) While acting in such capacity, an officer of such force has the same authority as a law enforcement officer as defined in § 39-11-106(a), and may receive a written directive to carry a handgun under § 39-17-1315 if such officer meets the qualifications in § 38-8-106 and the training requirements of § 38-8-107(a). While acting in such capacity, such officer has the authority to make arrests for offenses committed on the property of such public housing project.