FRANKFORT — Gov. Andy Beshear announced Friday that the Kentucky State Police is accepting applications from individuals who want to join an exemplary law agency that is “Built by Tradition. Trained to be the Best,” with a mission of creating a better, safer Kentucky.

“For over 75 years, the Kentucky State Police has safeguarded our great commonwealth, and today we call upon a new generation to carry that torch by applying to become a state trooper,” said Gov. Beshear. “As a cadet, you will receive the training, tools, equipment, knowledge and skills needed to be among some of the most elite law enforcement officers in the nation, leading our state into the future. I commend all our current and future troopers for the work they do day in and day out.”

Individuals accepted to join Cadet Class 105, which is slated to begin in November 2024, will earn $67,500 annually and have access to an improved retirement system with a sick leave buyback program. Interested applicants should visit the online portal to submit their application. This portal allows individuals to apply from any electronic device.

Applications are due by the close of business June 30.

“We have a very short window for individuals to apply to become a state trooper, so I encourage interested applicants not to wait and to apply today,” said KSP Recruitment Branch Commander Sgt. Michael Murriell. “The ‘Built by Tradition. Trained to be the Best’ campaign was designed to provide potential candidates a historical glimpse of the agency while focusing on the modern-day training and technology their academy experience will provide.”

Murriell said the agency’s recruitment team will be attending career fairs, college events, fitness centers and other public events to recruit potential troopers for Cadet Class 105.

KSP is recruiting both new officers for Cadet Class 105 and currently certified peace officers for the law enforcement accelerated program (LEAP). To qualify for the 14-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.

KSP is committed to maintaining and strengthening its workforce to enhance public safety, maintain critical services and better reflect the diverse communities it serves. Troopers serve on the front lines daily by responding to calls for service and interacting directly with their communities to ensure safety and security for all. Individuals who are ready to serve mankind, safeguard lives and property, assist their fellow brothers and sisters in law enforcement and reduce crime are encouraged to apply to wear the sacred badge of honor.

For more information on the application process, minimum requirements and a list of required supporting documentation, visit KSP’s website.

For questions or assistance with applying, email the KSP recruitment branch at KSPRecruit@ky.gov.

The Beshear-Coleman administration believes every single Kentuckian has the right to feel safe in their community, workplaces and schools, and the governor has taken steps to increase public safety. In the last two years, his administration has secured a historic more than $18,000 pay increase for Kentucky State Police troopers and officers. Due to these increases and the tireless efforts from the KSP recruitment branch, more than 1,000 sworn personnel are now wearing the badge of honor, the highest number since 2017.

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 $10 million in grant funding to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in purchasing the tools and resources that will not only allow them to protect Kentucky communities but will also ensure their safety as they stand on the front lines every day.

Last year, Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 380 expanding the eligibility of potential peace officers to include individuals who are not yet 21 years of age but will reach this statutory requirement by the time certification is completed to help law enforcement agencies expand their workforce.

In February 2023, Gov. Beshear and the KSP welcomed 103 cadets, the largest starting class since 2014, to the state police training academy.

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.