FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 11, 2025) – 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 through the close of business on March 14, 2025.
Due to high interest and to ensure a strong pool of qualified candidates, the deadline has been shortened to accommodate those eager to join the ranks of Kentucky's finest.
KSP is offering an increased starting salary for sworn officers, with compensation starting at $67,500 annually, and an improved retirement system with a sick leave buyback program. Applicants from Posts 1, 2, 5, 6 and 16 who are selected for the final hiring register will receive guaranteed assignments at their home post. All other applicants will be placed at their home or a bordering post based on agency needs.
"The Kentucky State Police are among the most dedicated public servants I have ever known, and they protect our commonwealth every single day with dedication and service," said Gov. Beshear. "Our new Kentucky home is safer because of the work of the work of this agency and look forward to meeting the next class of recruits who will uphold the tradition of excellence and honor."
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 14-week course program.
"The interest by applicants has been strong, and we want to ensure that every qualified individual has the chance to apply," said KSP Recruitment Branch Commander Sgt. Michael Murriell. "This career offers the opportunity to serve your community, protect Kentucky's citizens, and enjoy a rewarding profession with an unparalleled view of our state."
Applicants can submit their applications online from any electronic device. The deadline for Cadet Class 106 and the LEAP program is now Friday, March 14, 2025. Cadet Class 106 is set to begin on 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 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.
The Beshear-Coleman administration has taken several steps to support law enforcement while ensuring Kentuckians are safe and feel safe in our new Kentucky home. 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.
Gov. Beshear has also supported training for local law enforcement officers by raising the current training stipend to an all-time high, and the state supported the construction of a new training facility in Richmond.
Since taking office, Gov. Beshear has awarded nearly $12 million in grant funding to assist state and local law enforcement agencies with enhancing public and officer safety, curbing the sale of illegal drugs and fighting addiction. As the administration remains committed to removing illicit drugs and further decreasing drug overdose deaths, in September, Gov. Beshear awarded more than $1.7 million in grant funding to Kentucky's law enforcement, drug task forces and nonprofit organizations to purchase crucial resources, provide drug prevention programming to community residents, offer counseling to crime victims, ensure officers receive specialized training and work with individuals leaving incarceration for successful reentry skills.
Last year, the Governor proposed a $500 increase to the law enforcement annual training stipend, but the General Assembly chose to provide a combined $262 increase over the next two years. The budget signed by the Governor raises the training stipend to an all-time high of $4,562 by fiscal year 2026. Additionally, the Governor is providing part-time law enforcement officers an annual training stipend for the first time in the history of the commonwealth.
Last year, 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.
Click here to watch KSP's recruitment video
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