What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Recruit (July 2026 Academy) position at Louisville Metro Government?
Academy Start Date: July 20, 2026
To join LMPD as a Police Recruit in the 67th Metro Academy Class (MAC 67), you must pass the Written Exam, Physical Agility Test, and Oral Exam by April 17, 2026.
More details will be sent to qualified applicants after an application is submitted.
- 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.
- 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.Salary During Training*: $24.07/hr
Total First-Year Salary: $59,468**
Salary Immediately After the Academy: $71,321 (assuming no prior Police Officer experience)
Salary after one year after completing the Academy: $77,737
Salary after 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 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
- Interview in front of Chief's panel
Click the links below for more information about...
- Becoming a Police Officer
- The Application and Selection Process
- Forms required before taking the PAT
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.
Salary : $59,468 - $77,737