Police Recruit (March 2026 Academy)

Join Lmpd As A 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, and the oral exam by January 18, 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 :

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 :

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.

Salary during training : $47,673.60. Starting salary immediately after sworn in : $63,580.61 base pay (assuming no prior Police Officer experience) plus $4,429 KLEFPF pay annually.

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.

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.

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.

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.