The path to becoming a Kentucky State Trooper is demanding, but for those who persevere through the Kentucky State Police Academy, the rewards are immeasurable. Graduation marks not just an achievement, but the beginning of a career filled with unique opportunities, symbolized powerfully by the Kentucky State Police Uniform.
More Than Just a Uniform: The Kentucky State Police Academy Experience
The Kentucky State Police Academy is far from a typical training program. It’s a rigorous, 24-week paramilitary experience meticulously designed to forge cadets into highly capable Troopers. Successful candidates will undergo over 1,000 hours of intensive training, covering every critical aspect of law enforcement. This includes comprehensive instruction in Firearms, essential Defensive Tactics, in-depth Criminal Investigations, high-stakes Emergency Driving, the strategic Strategies and Tactics of Patrol Stops (STOPS), and crucial Counter-Ambush techniques. This demanding curriculum ensures that every graduate is prepared to uphold the high standards associated with the kentucky state police uniform.
During their time at the Academy, Cadets are not only provided with comprehensive training but also receive pay and benefits. The Kentucky State Police provides all necessary equipment and agency-issued clothing, minimizing the financial burden on recruits. Meals and accommodation are also provided at the Academy, further reducing expenses for Cadets as they embark on this career path. The kentucky state police uniform, a symbol of their future service, is among the items issued, instilling a sense of pride and belonging from the outset.
Upon graduation, a wide array of career opportunities unfolds. A career as a Kentucky State Trooper offers both excitement and deep personal fulfillment, contingent on the dedication and passion each trooper brings to their role. Donning the kentucky state police uniform and the iconic campaign hat is more than just wearing clothes; it represents belonging to something significant. It signifies a commitment to a higher standard, a dedication to service that transcends individual ambition. It’s about joining a family, embracing a way of life. The Kentucky State Police welcomes dedicated individuals ready to embark on this journey, beginning with the transformative experience of the Kentucky State Police Academy, and culminating in the honor of wearing the kentucky state police uniform in service to the Commonwealth.
Minimum Requirements to Serve in the Kentucky State Police
Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 16.040 (2) outlines the essential qualifications for all Kentucky State Police officers at the time of their appointment:
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States.
- Character and Health: Must be of good moral character and in good health.
- Age: Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
- Driver’s License: Must possess a valid driver’s license with no more than six (6) driver demerit points. A copy of the license is required at application.
- Education/Experience: At the time of application, candidates must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED and three years of full-time work experience, OR sixty (60) semester hours from an accredited college or university, OR a high school diploma with at least two (2) years of active military duty or two (2) years of experience as a full-time, sworn law enforcement officer.
Applicants will be disqualified if any of the following are determined:
- Failure to meet any of the appointment qualifications.
- False statement of material fact on the application or during the selection process.
- Use of political influence, coercion, or bribery to gain advantage.
- Cheating on examinations or attempting to gain unfair advantage.
- Failure to comply with agency instructions during selection.
- Dismissal for cause from any public agency or resignation during misconduct charges.
- Felony conviction or crime of moral turpitude.
- Current user of non-prescribed controlled substances.
- Addiction to controlled substances or intoxicants.
- More than six (6) driver demerit points.
- Positive test for unlawful controlled substances.
- Visible tattoos when wearing the kentucky state police uniform summer shirt. (Try-on shirts are provided during the written exam).
Effective March 1, 2002, agency policy prohibits visible tattoos or body piercings while in any agency-issued uniform. Cover-ups and long-sleeve uniform shirts (outside designated times) are not permitted to conceal tattoos.
Click to view KSP Tattoo Regulations
Benefits of Wearing the Kentucky State Police Uniform
Kentucky State Troopers are well-compensated for their service and dedication.
During academy training, cadet troopers receive $49,506.72 annually ($4,125.56 monthly).
Upon graduating and proudly wearing the kentucky state police uniform, the annual salary increases to $67,615.08 ($5,634.59 monthly), including base pay, training stipend, and per diem.
Detailed pay scale information can be found at: http://www.lrc.ky.gov/statutes/statute.aspx?id=45276
Salary increases accompany each promotion, reflecting career advancement and increased responsibility.
Troopers also receive a uniform maintenance allowance of seven dollars per day, acknowledging the importance of maintaining the professional appearance of the kentucky state police uniform. An annual training stipend of $4,429.00 is also provided (effective August 1, 2016).
Promotional opportunities throughout a Trooper’s career bring significant salary increases:
- Sergeant: 10% above base salary for years of service.
- Lieutenant: 20% above base salary for years of service.
- Captain: 30% above base salary for years of service.
Beyond financial compensation, benefits include:
- Health Insurance: Variety of health plans with dependent coverage options.
- Life Insurance: Commonwealth of Kentucky provides a $20,000 term life insurance policy.
- Vacation: Paid vacation time increasing with service years (12 days/year for 0-4 years to 21 days/year for 15+ years).
- Sick Leave: Accrual of one sick day per month, up to one year accumulation.
- Military Leave: Up to 21 paid working days per year for military reserve or National Guard members.
- Holidays: 11-1/2 paid holidays annually (12-1/2 in presidential election years).
All troopers are equipped with uniforms, weapons, vehicles, and essential supplies, ensuring they are fully prepared to perform their duties while wearing the kentucky state police uniform.
Retirement benefits include disbursement from the Kentucky Retirement System after 25 years of service and a monthly health coverage allowance. Additional benefits include a Merit Pay Program, Job Security, State Run Deferred Compensation program, Growth and Advancement Opportunities, and Take-home car program.
Wearing the kentucky state police uniform is not just a job, it’s a career with comprehensive benefits and long-term security.
Sgt. Michael Murriell
Recruiting Commander
For phone contact, please visit the Meet the Recruitment Troopers page.
KSP Recruitment Branch
919 Versailles Rd
Frankfort, KY 40601
The Application Process to Join the KSP
The application process to join the ranks of the Kentucky State Police is thorough and designed to select the most qualified candidates.
Physical Agility Test: This test consists of five events. Minimum scores are 20 for males and 15 for females. Applicants scoring near minimums often struggle in the Academy. The KSP encourages applicants to train using resources like The Thin Gray Line CrossFit, the official KSP CrossFit affiliate. Testing is primarily in Frankfort, with limited regional options. Physical fitness scores are combined with interview scores for overall applicant ranking. A minimum cut-off score is set for each cadet class.
Click to download the Physical Fitness Test Information
Interview: A standardized interview process is used for all eligible applicants. A three-person board scores applicants based on their responses. Selected applicants proceed to a polygraph examination.
Aptitude Testing: KSP utilizes an online, proctored aptitude test (Kentucky Career Readiness Certificate program) in reading, mathematics, and data, replacing the former written exam. A Level 2 pass on all three parts is required to advance.
Polygraph Examination: This marks the start of the background investigation. All applicants passing aptitude, physical, and interview stages undergo an extensive background investigation.
Background Check: Comprehensive background checks are conducted post-polygraph examination.
Offers of Employment: Successful applicants receive a Conditional Offer of Employment, contingent on medical and psychological examinations.
