Police Recruit (November 2026 Academy)

Salary: See Position Description
Location : 2911 Taylor Blvd., Louisville, KY 40208, KY
Job Type: Full_Time
Job Number: 082270-MAC 69
Department: Louisville Metro Police Dept.
Opening Date: 03/17/2026
Closing Date: 7/27/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


Description
Academy Start Date: November 23, 2026

To join LMPD as a Police Recruit in the 69th Metro Academy Class (MAC 69), you must pass the Written Exam, Physical Agility Test, and Oral Exam by August 14, 2026.
More details will be sent to qualified applicants after an application is submitted.
Examples of Duties

• Attends classes in personnel procedures, police regulations, current laws, the criminal justice system, human behavior and a variety of other topics related to police work.
• Works in various operational bureaus to provide additional manpower and gain familiarity with the functions of the Louisville Metro Police Department.
• Participates in practical training of firearm usage, driving, self-defense, arrest procedures, use of police equipment and a variety of other procedures and activities related to police work.
• Takes tests to measure knowledge gained, evaluates performance and determines progress made.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Graduation or GED equivalent.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• Must be at least 20 years of age at the time of application.
• Applicants who have illegally bought, sold, or trafficked, as defined in KRS 218A.010 and KRS 218A.1431, controlled substances, other than marijuana, within six years of application will be disqualified.
• Applicants who have used an illegal controlled substance other than marijuana within the last six years of application will be disqualified.
• Applicants who have illegally bought, possessed, or used marijuana, including medicinal cannabis, within six months of application will be disqualified.
• Applicants who have illegally sold marijuana, including medicinal cannabis, within one year of application will be disqualified.
• Applicants who have used a prescription controlled substance without a prescription more than once within the last six years of application will be disqualified.
• Applicants who have used a prescription controlled substance without a prescription on a single occasion within the last six years of application will be disqualified for one year since the last use without a prescription.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or have any criminal action pending against them.
• Misdemeanor convictions will be considered on an individual basis. An applicant may be disqualified for multiple misdemeanors, an unacceptable criminal record, or multiple traffic violations.
• Must submit to a pre-employment drug screening.
• Must submit to a pre-employment polygraph test.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical agility test.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical agility test.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
• Must take a pre-employment written and oral psychological evaluation.
• Must wear personal protective and safety equipment as mandated by OSHA.
• Must be vaccinated for hepatitis B, have provided evidence of immunity, or have signed a declination form within ten days of initial assignment.
• Must work a varied schedule.
• Must not be a current user of illegal drugs.
• Must have received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions if having served in any branch of the armed forces of the United States.
• Must not be prohibited by federal or state law from possessing a firearm.
• Must not have an accumulation of nine or more points for traffic violations.
• Must not have had certification as a peace officer permanently revoked in another state.
• Within the last 2 years must not have conducted the business of a private detective agency or any agency supporting private detectives, private policeman or private guards/advertised or solicited any such business in connection with any labor dispute.
• Must be eligible for certification as a State Peace Officer.
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to learn Federal laws, Kentucky Revised Statutes and Louisville Metro General Ordinances.
• Ability to learn Louisville Metro Police regulations, including those of the Louisville Metro Police Academy.
• Ability to learn police procedures.
• Ability to learn to use police equipment.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to tolerate stress
• Ability to understand the role of a police officer and the conduct expected of those in a para-military organization.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.

Physical Demands Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, lifting, digging, pushing and raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment)
Involves routine and frequent exposure to:

• Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
• Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
• Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
• Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
• Traffic; Moving machinery.
• Electrical shock; Heights.
• Radiation; Disease/pathogens.
• Toxic/caustic chemicals; Explosives; Violence.
• Other extreme hazards not listed above.

Louisville Metro Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Louisville Metro Government to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Louisville Metro Government.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Supplemental Information

Salary for Recruit in the Academy: $60,000
Salary Immediately After the Academy: $71,321 (assuming no prior Police Officer experience)
Salary one year after completing the Academy: $77,737
Salary two years after completing the Academy: $87,291

*The Basic Training Academy typically lasts about 29 weeks.
**This number is based off of the Police Recruit salary for the 29 weeks of the Academy and the remainder of the year having a sworn Police Officer salary, which assumes successful completion of the Academy on schedule.

For more information about LMPD Police Recruit and Officer salaries, click here.
Candidates who successfully complete the Louisville Metro Police Recruit Training are able to receive up to 15 credit hours as Transfer Credit towards completing a Criminal Justice Degree at University of the Cumberlands. LMPD has also partnered with various local colleges and universities to help officers work on completing their degrees after completing the Academy.
What to expect after you apply:
You will receive an email stating whether or not you meet the requirements to move forward to the testing phase of the selection process. Those who meet the minimum requirements will be sent information about test dates and how to schedule for testing. We currently offer testing about twice a month. Exams are in-person. If you live out of state and would like more information about testing, please email LMPD's Recruitment & Selection Unit at .

Applicants who pass the Written, Physical and Oral Exams will be assigned a background investigator, who will walk them through the remaining steps in the process. The remaining steps include (but are not limited to):

• Polygraph
• Medical Examination
• Drug Screening
• Psychological Evaluation
• Credit Check
• Interview in front of Chief's panel

For details about each step in the selection process, please click here
Click the links below for more information about...

• Becoming a Police Officer
• Forms required before taking the PAT

A Note About Tattoos:
Please note that body art (including tattoos, branding, piercing, scarification, and tongue splitting) is prohibited on the hands, face, and neck of all sworn employees of the Louisville Metro Police Department, except as noted below. Sworn members are permitted to have one ring tattoo around the base of one finger visible at all times, unless the tattoo content, image, or conveyance violates another directive of this section (refer to prohibited content below). Cosmetic tattoos, such as eyeliner, eyebrows, and lips, are permitted as long as they are natural in appearance. Tattoos that contain or depict sexist, sexually explicit, racist, vulgar, anti-social, gang-related, or extremist group-related content or imagery; convey sexual, religious, ethnic, or other legally protected class intolerances; or that may bring discredit upon the LMPD are prohibited, regardless of the location on the body.

The Louisville Metro Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Louisville Metro Government is committed to providing our employees with the tools they need to lead a fit and healthy life. Aside from community-wide initiatives like the Mayor's Hike, Bike and Paddle event every Memorial Day and Labor Day, and the Healthy Hometown Movement, Metro Government provides employees with programs designed to enhance their life and well-being, like a Wellness Center that allows employees and their dependents with Metro health insurance to take care of their basic medical and health needs for a $5 co-pay. Louisville Metro Government understands that a team of healthy, vibrant employees is the greatest asset we have.

Full Time Regular
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Group Term Life
• Supplemental Life
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Sick Leave
• Vacation
• Holiday Pay
• Bereavement Leave
• Kentucky Public Pensions Authority
• 457 Deferred Comp
• Voluntary Lifestyle Benefits
• Tuition Assistance
• Qualified Adult Benefits
• Childcare Assistance
• Free TARC Use
• Paid Parental Leave
Part Time - 17.5 to 25 Hours Per Week
• Vacation (pro rata)
• Sick Leave (pro rata)
• Holiday Pay (pro rata)
Part Time - Less Than 17.5 Hours Per Week
• Ineligible For Benefits
Temporary Positions
• Ineligible For Benefits
Interns
• Ineligible For Benefits
01


Are you a citizen of the United States?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a High School Diploma or GED Certificate?

• Yes
• No

03


Are you at least 20 years of age?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

05


Are you able to work a varied schedule including nights, holidays, weekends, and overtime?

• Yes
• No

06


Have you served in the military?

• Yes
• No

07


IF YES, please list the branch, dates served, and type of discharge received (if applicable; discharge types are Honorable, General, Under Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, or Dishonorable). If NO, type "N/A".
08


Do you have an accumulation of nine or more points for traffic violations?

• Yes
• No

09


Since the age of 16, have you ever been issued any citations (traffic tickets)?

• Yes
• No

10


If YES, list the date of the citation(s), the offense(s) and the final disposition(s) of the offense(s). If NO, type "N/A".
11


Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor?

• Yes
• No

12


If YES, list the crime(s) for which you were convicted, date, county and state. If NO, type "N/A".
13


Have you been convicted of a felony?

• Yes
• No

14


Do you have any criminal action pending against you? This would include probation, ongoing restitution payments, or anything else that would require you to appear in court.

• Yes
• No

15


Since the age of 18, have you been convicted of any crime(s) not already listed in your responses above?

• Yes
• No

16


If YES, list the crime(s) for which you were convicted, date, county and state. If NO, type "N/A".
17


During the past 5 years, have you ever committed a violation of the law, other than traffic offenses, for which you have not been arrested and or prosecuted? WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU TO SELF-DISCLOSE ADDICTION OR SELF-DISCLOSE LEGAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG USE.

• Yes
• No

18


If YES, list the date and circumstances of each violation of the law.
19


Are you prohibited by federal or state law from possessing a firearm?

• Yes
• No

20


Have you ever had your certification as a peace officer permanently revoked in any state?

• Yes
• No

21


Within the last 2 years have you conducted the business of a private detective agency or any agency supporting private detectives, private policeman or private guards/advertised or solicited any such business in connection with any labor dispute?

• Yes
• No

22


Have you illegally bought, possessed, or used marijuana, including medicinal cannabis, within the past six months?

• Yes
• No

23


Have you illegally sold marijuana, including medicinal cannabis, within the past one year?

• Yes
• No

24


How many times (total) have you used a prescription-controlled substance without a prescription in the last six years?

• 0
• 1
• 2 or more

25


If you have used a prescription-controlled substance without a prescription in the past six years, what was the month and year of each usage without a prescription? If no usage, please type "N/A."
26


During the past 6 years, have you used any illegal controlled substance (e.g., cocaine, heroin, LSD, etc.) other than marijuana?

We are NOT asking you to self-disclose addiction or legal prescription drug use.

This question is NOT about marijuana usage or any substance that a medical doctor may prescribe.

• Yes
• No

27


During the past 6 years, have you illegally bought, sold or trafficked (trafficking includes manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, transferring, or possessing with the intent to do any of the previously mentioned actions) any controlled substance other than marijuana?We are NOT asking you to disclose information about addiction or legal prescription drug use.

• Yes
• No

28


Are you willing to take a drug test?

• Yes
• No

29


Are you willing to take a polygraph?

• Yes
• No

30


Are you willing to submit to a pre-employment physical examination?

• Yes
• No

31


Are you willing to submit to a pre-employment written and oral psychological evaluation?

• Yes
• No

32


Have you previously tested for the position of Police Recruit with the Louisville Metro Police Department?

• Yes
• No

33


If YES, please list the approximate month/year that you tested (if known).
34


Have you previously applied to any other public safety agency (ex. Police, Fire, Corrections Departments, etc.)?

• Yes
• No

35


If "Yes", please list the name of the department(s) you applied to, what position(s) you applied for, and the approximate date(s) of your application. If "No", please respond with "N/A". Please include this information for ALL of your other public safety applications.
36


Please list any employment and gaps in employment not listed on your application with the approximate dates of each here. If you listed all employment and gaps in employment on your application, please type "N/A."
37


I understand that LMPD officers are not permitted to have any head or face tattoos. Neck and hand tattoos will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, I understand that I am permitted to take the Written Exam, Physical Agility Test, and Oral Exam; however, if I pass those three exams, I will be required to have any tattoos not in compliance with LMPD policy removed prior to completing the remainder of the selection process. (More details about LMPD's tattoo policy will be provided upon request.)

• Yes
• No

38


What is the main reason you are applying to be a Police Officer with LMPD?

• Friend or family member in law enforcement
• Opportunity for exciting work
• Career growth opportunities (specialty units, opportunity for advancement, etc.)
• Pay and/or benefits
• Desire to serve and protect the community
• Other

39


Do you have a family member or friend in law enforcement?

• Yes
• No

40


Would you like to receive Text Reminders for your scheduled test(s) for this position?


PLEASE NOTE: This will not replace normal email communications. You should continue to check your inbox/spam folder regularly.

• Yes
• No

Required Question