FRANKFORT, Ky. — Those interested in becoming a Kentucky State Trooper have less than a month to apply. 

With a deadline of June 30, KSP is recruiting for Cadet Class 105, plus certified peace officers for its law enforcement accelerated program. 

KSP said candidates selected for the final hiring register who are from Posts 1, 2, 5, 6 and 16 will receive guaranteed assignments at their home post location. Other applicants will be assigned to their home or bordering post based on vacancies and agency need.

"Kentucky State Police are charged with safeguarding our great commonwealth, and now those officers have the opportunity to choose a post area close to their hometown,” said Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky. "Team Kentucky is all about family and quality time with loved ones, and our state police deserve this opportunity.” 

Those accepted to join Cadet Class 105, scheduled to begin in Nov. 2024, will earn $67,500 annually and have access to a sick leave buyback program as part of an improved retirement system. KSP said applicants should visit the online portal to submit their application, which can be done from any electronic device. 

To qualify for the 14-week LEAP training, candidates must have been a full-time certified law enforcement officer for at least two years and must not be under a local government contract with their current or previous police agency, KSP said.

KSP added it is focusing efforts on out-of-state officers by providing an enhanced reciprocity process, which allows candidates to become troopers sooner. 

“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 streamlined reciprocity process will allow current police officers to fast-track their careers and become a trooper in 14 weeks, opposed to the 24-week academy required by traditional applicants."

Murriell added the agency's recruitment team will continue attending career fairs and other public events to recruit potential troopers for Cadet Class 105. 

More on the application process and requirements can be found on KSP's website.