FRANKFORT – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) announced the deadline to submit an application to become a state trooper has been extended through Nov. 25. Also, the agency announced that the top achieving applicants will be able to choose the post of their choice, allowing them the opportunity to stay close to home.
KSP offers one of the top five starting salaries for sworn officers in the commonwealth, with compensation starting at $61,500 annually and an improved retirement system with a sick leave buyback program.
“Kentucky supports our law enforcement officers, which is why we have strongly invested in KSP. By increasing the number of state police troopers, we will make the commonwealth a better, safer place for future generations,” said Gov. Beshear. “Join Team Kentucky today and make a difference in your home community.”
Sgt. Michael Murriell, KSP recruitment branch commander, said the agency is offering applicants the ability to select any of KSP’s 16 posts to serve at upon graduation. KSP posts span the entire commonwealth, making it convenient for troopers to work at a post within a short driving distance of their home.
“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 Sgt. Murriell. “This new initiative will reassure applicants they can serve close to home.”
The agency is currently accepting applications for both new officers and the law enforcement accelerated (LEAP) program. 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.
Applications for both Cadet Class 103 and the LEAP program must be submitted to the KSP Recruitment Branch by close of business Nov. 25. The upcoming cadet class is slated to begin Feb. 26, 2023.
Interested applicants should visit the KSP website to download an application. KSP’s website also includes the application process online, minimum requirements and disqualifications, and a list of required supporting documentation (physical standards requirements and testing information). For questions or assistance with applying email the KSP recruitment branch at KSPRecruit@ky.gov.
KSP’s focus this year is to maintain and strengthen its essential workforce to better provide 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 by making the commonwealth’s streets safer, communities stronger and the nation more secure by providing exceptional law enforcement, click here.
Contact: Sergeant Michael Murriell at micheal.murriell@ky.gov