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Entry Level Police Officer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$60 - $80/hr

... Entry Level Police Officer Testing: Various * Candidates will be scheduled for the written and physical test on various dates and times * POLICE OFFICER SELECTION PROCESS * Candidate Applies Before ...

Police Officer - Recruit Location: 445 West Main St, Danville, KY 40422 Department: Police ... This is an entry-level non-supervisory position that will work with the Citizens of Danville and ...

$80 - $100/hr

Specialized Units While entry-level officers are assigned to patrol duty, the Bexley Police Departments maintains a broad range of specialized units that will allow you to tailor your career to a ...

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Entry Level Police Officer information

See Kentucky salary details

$28.2K

$54K

$89.9K

How much do entry level police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police officer in Kentucky is $53,977.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,100.00 and $64,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level police officer?

Entry level police officers are individuals who have recently been hired by a police department and are in the initial stages of their law enforcement careers. They typically perform basic duties such as patrolling designated areas, responding to emergency calls, conducting preliminary investigations, and enforcing laws. Entry level officers often undergo a period of training at a police academy followed by on-the-job training with experienced officers. Their responsibilities and authority increase as they gain more experience and demonstrate their abilities.

What does an entry level police officer do?

The job duties of an entry-level police officer involve working to protect citizens and perform other law enforcement duties. Your responsibilities in this career include going on patrol, working to investigate crimes, and documenting complaints. An entry-level officer has completed officer training and public safety testing (PST) and has been sworn-in as a law enforcement professional. However, you may undergo additional on-the-job training with the assistance of a senior officer, and you may have a period of probationary employment until you have proven yourself in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level police officer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, a clean background, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement technology such as body cameras, radio communication systems, and report-writing software is typically required. Strong soft skills include integrity, critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring public safety, upholding the law ethically, and responding effectively to emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level police officers during their first year on the job?

Entry level police officers often face challenges such as adapting to shift work, learning departmental procedures, and developing effective communication skills in high-pressure situations. Balancing the demands of public interactions with the need to enforce the law can be stressful, especially when dealing with difficult or emotional incidents. New officers also spend significant time in training and mentorship programs, which help ease the transition but require adaptability and resilience.

What is the difference between Entry Level Police Officer vs Police Dispatcher?

AspectEntry Level Police OfficerPolice Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, communication training
Work EnvironmentPatrol, crime scenes, community interactionDispatch center, phone and radio communication
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsPolice departments, emergency communication centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Entry Level Police Officers primarily patrol communities, enforce laws, and respond to incidents, requiring police academy training. Police Dispatchers handle emergency calls, coordinate responses, and communicate with officers, focusing on communication skills. Both roles are essential in law enforcement but differ in duties, environment, and training focus.

Can you get hired as an entry level police officer with no experience?

Entry level police officers are typically hired with little to no prior law enforcement experience, as agencies often provide training and academy instruction. Candidates usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete physical and written tests. Having relevant skills such as communication, problem-solving, and a clean background can improve chances of hiring without prior experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police Officer jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Police Officer jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Entry Level Police Officer jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Entry Level Police Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Officer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,977 per year, or $26 per hour.

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description

Perform a variety of law enforcement and crime prevention tasks, investigative work, special assignments, technical and administrative tasks in support of the Police Department, while protecting the lives and property of the citizens of College Station through the enforcement of federal, state and municipal laws codes and ordinances.

Additional Assignments within this rank may include, but not limited to:

Patrol, traffic, criminal investigator, crime prevention officer, field training officer, school resource officer, recruitment/training officer or any other assignment, as designated by the Police Chief.

Principal Duties

The following represent the core areas of responsibilities, however, incumbents function to provide a broad range of police services and specific duties that will vary based on assignment. Any one position may not include all of the duties listed. In addition, the listed duties may not include all tasks that may be found within a position in this class.

  1. Participate in a variety of law enforcement activities which include, but not limited to, arresting offenders and suspects for traffic and criminal offenses, preparing for and appearing in court for criminal, civil, and other law enforcement related matters, enforcing traffic laws, investigating traffic accidents, directing traffic (when necessary), serving civil and criminal papers, guarding and transporting prisoners and responding to emergency calls (accidents, burglaries, prowlers, etc.).
  2. Respond to calls for assistance, policy enforcement, medical help, or safety; collect information, assist with possible medical emergencies, and determine need for further action; perform lifesaving procedures when necessary; physically apprehend and search suspects utilizing appropriate techniques and maneuvers; and conduct security checks on commercial buildings and residences.
  3. Patrol an assigned area by car, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot to discourage crime, maintaining responsibility and accountability for assigned geographic area.
  4. Perform and assist in criminal investigations, secure crime scenes and preserve evidence, and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses.
  5. Build and maintain effective partnerships with community groups and members and respond to requests and inquiries from citizens concerning laws and City ordinances.
  6. Prepare and submit reports on crimes and activities.
  7. Maintain required training proficiencies.
  8. Perform related duties as assigned, to include assisting other Police officers in conducting assigned duties and responsibilities as necessary.
Qualifications

Required:

GED equivalent plus 12 hours of college; or 2 years of continuous military service; or High school diploma

Basic TCOLE peace officer certification [licensed] or the ability to complete the basic peace officer academy [non-licensed]

Valid Texas Driver’s License

United States citizen

Knowledge of existing criminal and traffic codes [licensed]

Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Ability to perform a variety of physically demanding maneuvers and activities while involved in law enforcement and rescue operations, including running, walking, stooping, bending, rolling, crawling, climbing, jumping, lifting, carrying, dragging, and safely operating assigned equipment and vehicles

Ability to work under a variety of unfavorable conditions including exposure to gunfire, harsh weather, poor or no lighting, exposure to hazardous chemicals and smoke, extremes in temperatures, all types of weather conditions, electrical hazards, armed and dangerous persons, communicable diseases, etc.

Must be 21 years of age or older to complete the Police Academy.

Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree

Supplemental Information

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Drug Screening: Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this position, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy.

Additional Criminal Background Screening Required: In addition to the standard pre-employment criminal background check, individuals receiving a conditional offer for this position shall be subject to finger-print based background screening due to the required access to secured buildings and/or secure data systems.

Entry Level Police Officer Testing: Various

  • Candidates will be scheduled for the written and physical test on various dates and times
  • POLICE OFFICERSELECTION PROCESS
  • Candidate Applies Before Application Filing Deadline
  • Personal History Statement- Due at or Before the Written Examination
  • Written Examination Administered
  • Preliminary Information Form
  • Physical Fitness Test (1.5 Mile Run or 2000-Meter Row)
  • Preliminary Interview
  • Records Check
  • Oral Interview
  • Fingerprinting Check
  • Polygraph Examination
  • Background Investigation
  • Chief's Panel Interview
  • Drug Screen and Medical Exam*
  • Psychological Examination*

*Candidate selected OR application held for 6 months for future consideration

*Candidate must be successful in each phase of the selection process.

*Candidate may be eliminated or disqualified at any point in the process for failureto meet the criteria set forth by the Police Department.

*A conditional offer of employment will have been made before the drug screen, medical exam and psychological exam are administered.

*The expected duration of the application process is 60-90 days. Those successfully completing the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list for 6 months. After 6 months, the applicant must reapply. Applicants who fail to successfully complete any portion of the selection process shall be notified in writing by the Human Resources Department. This notification will include the eligibility date to reapply which will be no sooner than 30 days from the rejection date.

An Equal Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer

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