Police Recruit (March 2026 Academy)

Police Recruit

To join LMPD as a Police Recruit in the 66th Metro Academy Class (MAC 66), you must pass the Written Exam, Physical Agility Test, and Oral Exam by January 18, 2026. More details will be sent to qualified applicants after an application is submitted.

Examples of duties include attending classes in personnel procedures, police regulations, current laws, the criminal justice system, human behavior, and a variety of other topics related to police work. Working in various operational bureaus to provide additional manpower and gain familiarity with the functions of the Louisville Metro Police Department. Participating 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. Taking tests to measure knowledge gained, evaluating performance, and determining progress made. Performing related work as assigned.

Minimum requirements include high school graduation or GED equivalent, being a US citizen, and being at least 20 years old at the time of application. Other requirements include not having illegally bought, sold, or trafficked controlled substances, not having used illegal controlled substances, not having been convicted of a felony, and not having an accumulation of nine or more points for traffic violations. Applicants must submit to a pre-employment drug screening, polygraph test, physical agility test, physical examination, written and oral psychological evaluation, and wear personal protective and safety equipment as mandated by OSHA. They must be vaccinated for hepatitis B, have provided evidence of immunity, or have signed a declination form within ten days of initial assignment. They must also be eligible for certification as a State Peace Officer and possess a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.

Physical demands include performing medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, lifting, digging, pushing, and raising objects, and 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 involve 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, and violence. Other extreme hazards may also be present.

Salary during training is $24.07 / hr, total first-year salary is $59,468, and salary immediately after the academy is $71,321 (assuming no prior police officer experience). Salary after one year after completing the academy is $77,737, and salary after two years after completing the academy is $87,291. 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 the 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 LMPDRecruiting@LouisvilleKY.gov. 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, and interview in front of Chief's panel.