Police Recruit (July 2026 Academy)

Police Recruit Position

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.

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.

Requirements :

Physical Demands :

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 $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, 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.

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 Chiefs 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.