Kentucky State Police recruiting for new cadet class with higher pay, expanded training

FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — The Kentucky State Police is now accepting applications for Cadet Class 107, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Tuesday.

The new class will begin in May 2026, with applications due by Dec. 5, 2025. Starting salaries for troopers have been raised to $69,500, and benefits include a hybrid retirement system and a sick leave buyback program.

“The Kentucky State Police set high standards for law enforcement and public service in our commonwealth,” Beshear said. “We encourage those who believe they can rise to this challenge to apply.”

Applicants without prior law enforcement experience will complete a 24-week academy with more than 1,000 hours of classroom and field training, covering areas such as constitutional law, crisis response, weapons use, crowd control and implicit bias education. Experienced officers may apply through KSP’s Law Enforcement Accelerated Program, a shorter 14-course option.

Lt. Charles Hedgespeth, KSP’s recruitment commander, said the training is “intense, challenging and rewarding,” adding that the agency’s 20 specialized branches offer a wide range of career paths.

Assignments will be guaranteed for candidates hired from Posts 1, 2, 5, 6 and 16, while others will be placed at home or neighboring posts depending on agency needs.

The announcement comes as Beshear’s administration highlights recent investments in law enforcement, including the opening of the new Jody Cash Multipurpose Training Facility in April, expanded training stipends and state funding for body cameras. Officials also noted recent declines in crime and drug overdose deaths across Kentucky.

More information, including minimum requirements and application materials, is available through the KSP recruitment branch at KSPRecruit@ky.gov.