A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Speed demons beware, new crop of state troopers on the road this summer through accelerated program


By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today

Consider adjusting that cruise control because in a couple of months Kentucky State Police will be adding a lot more troopers on the road.


Sixty-three cadets reported to the Kentucky State Police Academy to begin an accelerated training program lasting 12 weeks instead of the normal 24. The program is for current police officers with at least two years of experience.


KSP Lt. Michael Webb called it a win-win situation for both the state policing agency and the public. 
“They have a good foundation of training,” Webb said, and “we get troopers on the road faster and with more experience.”


Sixty-three cadets fall in line at the Kentucky State Police Academy under the leadership of Assistant Commander Lt. Norm Preston.

As current police officers, cadets come to KSP with accredited law enforcement training through the Department of Criminal Justice.
 “We’re just going to accentuate that with Kentucky State Police Academy training, which we arguably feel is world-class, and second to none,” Webb said.


Cadet Class 94 is the fourth group to go through the Law Enforcement Accelerated Program, which is designed for officers with at least two years of police experience in Kentucky.
 Over the next 12 weeks, Webb said cadets will be tested to see if they really want to be a part of KSP’s prestigious thin gray line.

“We’re going to see what they’re made of, and they’re going to bring that experience all the way through with them, so we’re going to have some fine Kentucky State troopers at the end.”


Before they earn the title of KSP trooper, they can expect to be tested mentally and physically in every aspect of law enforcement, in a boot camp-style setting, he says, because of the nature of their work. 
“Trooper often work in rural areas, with back-up sometimes an hour or two away,” Webb said. “They have to be able to handle themselves for an extended time, with a combative felon or somebody who does not want to go to jail, so these troopers need to be trained to win.”


The training also results in an esprit de corps due to their shared experiences at the academy and some develop life-long friendships with classmates. 
The cadets come from local police and sheriff’s offices across Kentucky with a variety of experiences. 
“We have some two-year officers to very seasoned officers,” Webb said. “I believe we have an 18-year veteran Louisville Metro Police sergeant, who brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and training with him. The bottom line for the rigorous training at the academy, Webb said, is that “we’re looking for the heart of a trooper. A lot of folks come here looking for a job, or to become a police officer. They typically don’t make it. We’re looking for people who want to become a Kentucky State Trooper. Period.” 


The KSP is now accepting applications for their 24-week tradition cadet class, scheduled to begin early next year. They recently announced new hiring qualifications, where anyone with a high school diploma or GED and three years of work experience can now apply.

The deadline to apply is June 23.
 Those interested can visit www.kentuckystatepolice.org and find out more.


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