FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 26, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) announced that the agency is accepting applications for those interested in becoming a hometown hero to join cadet class 106. Candidates selected for the final hiring register who are from Posts 1, 2, 5, 6 and 16 will receive guaranteed assignments at their home post location. All other applicants will be assigned to their home or bordering post based on positions and agency need. KSP is offering an increased starting salary for sworn officers, with compensation starting at $67,615 annually, and an improved retirement system with a sick leave buyback program.
“We are building a new Kentucky home and to ensure all Kentuckians feel safe and are safe in their communities, we need dedicated individuals joining Team Kentucky as our finest heroes,” said Gov. Beshear. “The Kentucky State Police is nationally recognized for their training and expertise and applicants will receive the best when they join Cadet Class 106.”
Cadets without a prior background in law enforcement will undergo an intensive 24-week training regimen, with over 1,000 hours of classroom and practical field study. Cadets will be trained in various critical topics, including constitutional law, juvenile and traffic laws, crisis response, criminal investigations and community relations. Specific training areas also cover weapons use, first aid, high-speed pursuits, crowd control, hazardous material handling and implicit bias education.
Those with prior law enforcement experience can apply to participate in KSP’s Law Enforcement Accelerated Program (LEAP), which enables seasoned officers to join the agency through an accelerated 13-week course program.
“Patrolling the scenic landscape of Kentucky combined with an exceptional salary package provides an amazing career opportunity for future troopers,” said Recruitment Branch Commander Sgt. Michael Murriell. “Those interested in serving local communities, safeguarding citizens while having an ‘office with a view’, should apply for cadet class 106.” Interested applicants should visit the online portal to submit their application from any electronic device. Cadet Class 106 and the LEAP program applications must be submitted to the KSP Recruitment Branch by close of business April 25, 2025. The upcoming cadet class is slated to begin August 10, 2025. Those interested in applying can visit KSP’s website for the minimum requirements, disqualifications and a list of required supporting documentation (physical standards requirements and testing information). They can also email the KSP recruitment branch at KSPRecruit@ky.gov for questions or assistance with applying. KSP’s mission is to provide better public safety, maintain critical services, and better reflect the diverse communities that KSP serves. For more information about KSP’s commitment to creating a better Kentucky, click here. On Nov. 10, KSP welcomed 83 cadets to the training academy to begin their journey of becoming a state trooper dedicated to serving and protecting all Kentuckians. In June, the Beshear-Coleman administration announced that 37 troopers graduated from the KSP training academy and were ready to serve the commonwealth, safeguard lives and property, assist their fellow Kentuckians in law enforcement and reduce crime. The next cadet class is slated to begin in November, and the academy received a record number of applications. Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 380 expanding the eligibility of potential peace officers to include individuals who are not yet 21 but will reach this statutory requirement by the time certification is completed to help law enforcement agencies expand their workforce.
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.
-KSP
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