​​Earn $65,000 annually, work closer to home, receive improved retirement system​

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 2, 2023) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) is now accepting applications from Kentuckians interested in joining an exemplary law enforcement agency with a mission to create a better, safer commonwealth. 

“We have greatly invested in our state police with higher salaries and advanced technology, and we are now calling upon our citizens to accept the challenge and join us in creating a better Kentucky for future generations,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. 

Individuals accepted to join Cadet Class 104, which is slated to begin in January 2024, will earn $65,000 annually, have access to an improved retirement system with a sick leave buyback program and the opportunity to work closer to home. Interested applicants should visit the newly launched online portal to submit their application. This portal allows individuals to submit an application from any electronic device.

“Applicants can apply for specific vacancies at the KSP post of their choosing. Once they complete all their testing, the top performers will be guaranteed a spot at the post of their choice,” said KSP Recruitment Branch Commander Sgt. Michael Murriell. “This new initiative will reassure applicants they can serve close to home.”  

KSP is committed to maintaining and strengthening its workforce to enhance public safety, maintain critical services and better reflect the diverse communities it serves. Troopers serve on the front lines daily by responding to calls for service and interacting directly with their communities to ensure safety and security for all. Individuals who are ready to serve mankind, safeguard lives and property, assist their fellow brother and sisters in law enforcement and reduce crime, they are encouraged to apply to wear the sacred badge of honor.

Applications are due by close of business on Aug. 31.

KSP is recruiting Kentuckians as both new officers for Cadet Class 104 and currently certified peace officers for the law enforcement accelerated program (LEAP). To qualify for the 13-week LEAP training at KSP, a candidate must have been a full-time certified law enforcement officer for a minimum of two years. The candidate must not be under a local government contract with their current or previous police agency.

For more information on the application process, minimum requirements and a list of required supporting documentation visit KSP’s website.

For questions or assistance with applying, email the KSP recruitment branch at KSPRecruit@ky.gov. 

Beshear-Coleman Administration Commitment to Making Kentucky a National Leader in Public Safety 

The Beshear-Coleman administration’s top priority is the safety of all Kentuckians. The Governor's public safety actions are creating safer communities and a better Kentucky now and into the future. 

In March, Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 380 and House Bill 540 to further support law enforcement and increase public safety. These pieces of legislation expand the eligibility of potential peace officers to include individuals who are not yet 21 years of age but will reach this statutory requirement by the time certification is completed and help increase the number of school resource officers in the commonwealth’s private and parochial schools as well as public schools. The Governor’s signature on these bills increases the number of peace officers throughout the commonwealth and provides a safe learning environment at all the commonwealth’s schools so students can thrive, grow and reach their dreams.   

To increase the safety of Kentucky’s children the Governor signed legislation that strengthens child abuse, neglect and human trafficking reporting requirements, clarifies the legal definition of incest and ensures that registered sex offenders cannot come within 1,000 feet of a high school, middle school, elementary school, preschool, publicly owned or leased playground, or licensed day care facility.  

Since taking office, Gov. Beshear has awarded almost $8 million in grant funding to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in purchasing the tools and resources that will not only allow them to protect Kentucky communities but will also ensure their safety as they stand on the front lines every day. In September 2022, the administration announced nearly $2 million in grant funding to enhance public safety, curb the sale of illegal drugs and fight addiction. 

In February of this year, Gov. Beshear and the KSP welcomed 103 cadets, the largest starting class since 2014, to the state police training academy. Due to the recent $15,000 salary increase for KSP sworn personnel and tireless efforts from the recruitment branch, sworn numbers for the agency have increased. KSP now employs 899 troopers, which is an increase of approximately 22% from 736 troopers in Nov. 2021.

The bipartisan state budget signed by Gov. Beshear and enacted last year allows the commonwealth to take additional steps to make Kentucky a leader in public safety by enhancing law enforcement training, creating safer communities and improving the safety of both law enforcement officers and Kentuckians. In July 2022, the Governor announced additional steps to enhance public and officer safety, including funding for a new firearms training facility, a Western Kentucky training site feasibility study and an increased training stipend for law enforcement officers. 

In October 2022, the administration took another step forward in creating safer communities by awarding more than $350,000 in grant funding to prevent youth crime across the commonwealth. 

In June 2022, Gov. Beshear announced the Military to Law Enforcement Program (M-2-LE). M-2-LE allows local law enforcement agencies in Kentucky to hire active service members within all U.S. military branches during their last 180 days of service. Upon being contracted by a law enforcement agency, the military member will continue to receive their pay and benefits from the U.S. Military while they undergo law enforcement training at the Department of Criminal Justice Training. 

In April 2022, the Governor signed legislation he championed the previous year that funds a $15,000 raise for all troopers and a starting pay increase for sworn officers from $37,887 to $55,888 annually. In signing Senate Bill 209, Gov. Beshear established paid vacation, sick leave and holiday pay, as well as enhanced health insurance contribution payments for retired KSP troopers and commercial vehicle enforcement officers. 

Also, as the Governor recommended in January 2022, $12.2 million was included in the state budget for KSP to purchase body cameras, which is the first time in the commonwealth’s history that funding has been allocated for this much-needed expense. Earlier this year, KSP demonstrated the new recording system, which will be distributed to approximately 780 sworn personnel.

In March 2022, the Governor and KSP announced that 71 cadets had graduated the agency’s basic training academy and are reporting for duty across the commonwealth with a focus on creating a better and safer Kentucky. Cadet Class 101 is the largest KSP basic training academy graduating class since 2014.  

In 2021, the Governor allocated $500,000 for KSP to expand their recruitment efforts. KSP expanded the recruitment department by hiring minorities and females into the recruitment branch and developed a marketing initiative to reach individuals from Kentucky’s 120 counties. Innovative, digital ads were launched in unique venues, such as colleges and universities, outdoor billboards in rural communities, and social media and streaming television platforms. Additionally, KSP is partnering with Dr. Aaron Thompson of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and Vikki Stone of the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet and working closely with retired minority KSP Troopers to further improve their diversity recruitment efforts.