RICHMOND, KY (September 26, 2022) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Recruitment Branch announced that the deadline is soon approaching for those who want to be a trooper in 2023. KSP is accepting applications for both traditional and the law enforcement accelerated (LEAP) program for cadet class 103.
The deadline to apply is October 28.
Sergeant Michael Murriell, KSP Recruitment Branch Commander, says new troopers will start at the highest salary the agency has ever had and will also receive a new and improved retirement system that includes a sick leave buyback program.
“New troopers will begin their careers with a salary compensation package of $61,500 yearly, with guaranteed raises throughout their careers,” said Sgt. Murriell. “We also want our troopers to know they will have opportunities to serve in other parts of the agency, including K9, aircraft, and special operations.”
Individuals who apply and meet the qualifications outlined on KSP’s website will attend the 24-week training at the KSP Academy to become a Kentucky State Trooper. LEAP applicants will attend 13-week training at the KSP Academy. To qualify for LEAP, a candidate must have been a full-time, POPS-certified police officer in the commonwealth of Kentucky for a minimum of two years. The candidate must not be under a local government contract with their current or previous police agency. Upon graduation, new troopers will be assigned to one of KSP’s sixteen posts across the state.
In April, the Governor signed into law two pieces of legislation recently passed by the General Assembly to make historic investments in law enforcement by providing funds to KSP to recruit, train and retain the essential workforce needed to continue to provide the highest level of security to all Kentuckians. House Bill 259 ensures that all troopers will receive a $15,000 raise. Additionally, KSP’s starting pay for sworn officers will increase from $37,887 to $55,888 annually. By 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 CVE officers.
Interested applicants should visit the KSP website to download an application. Other information on the website includes an application process outline, a list of minimum requirements and disqualifications, and a list of required supporting documentation (physical standards requirements and testing information). The Recruitment Branch has an email address () for interested applicants to contact with questions or request assistance with applying. Applicants must be submitted to the KSP Recruitment Branch by close of business on October 28.
The upcoming cadet class is slated to begin on February 28, 2023.
KSP’s focus this year is to maintain and strengthen its essential workforce in order to better provide public safety, maintain critical services and better reflect the diverse communities that KSP serves. For more information about KSP’s commitment of 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.
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