By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – The Thin Gray Line got a little thicker on Friday as 42 cadets graduated from the Kentucky State Police Academy.
The 96th KSP Cadet Class had 75 members when it began Jan. 7, but during the rigorous training process 33 resigned.
42 cadets sworn in. (Photo by Tom Latek)
Training included more than 1,000 hours of classroom and field study in subjects such as constitutional law, juvenile and traffic law, use of force, weapons training, defensive tactics, first aid, high speed vehicle pursuit, criminal investigation, computer literacy, hostage negotiations, evidence collection, radio procedures, search and seizure, crash investigation, drug identification, traffic control, crowd control, armed robbery response, land navigation, electronic crimes, sex crimes, hate crimes, domestic violence, bomb threats and hazardous materials.
As if that wasn’t enough during nearly six months at the KSP Academy, nine of the new troopers also earned Associate’s Degrees in General Occupational and Technical Studies from the Bluegrass Community and Technical College during the training, the first to do so thanks to legislation passed by the 2017 General Assembly that included new hiring guidelines.
“Previously, applicants were required to have 60 hours of college credit, two years of active duty military experience or two years of certified police officer experience,” said KSP Commissioner Rick Sanders. “Now, anyone who possesses a high school diploma or GED and has three years of full-time work experience can apply for employment as a Kentucky State Trooper and earn an associate’s degree during the training process.”
Lt. Gov Jenean Hampton told the new troopers they were coming on board during a time when the need for them was greater than ever. “Gov. (Matt) Bevin and I are very grateful that you have chosen to serve and the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky have tremendous respect for what you do. God bless all of you and the family members that support you.”
The KSP is now accepting applications for a cadet class tentatively scheduled to begin in April of 2019. For more information, go to kentuckystatepolice.org. Application deadline is Aug. 23.
