By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) welcomed 81 cadets to the agency’s training academy over the weekend, to begin the journey of becoming a state trooper and prepare for their role in enhancing public safety in the state.
“Our troopers play a vital role in building a safer Kentucky for families across our Commonwealth,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Your willingness to commit yourselves to this important cause reflects a deep sense of duty to our people, and all of Team Kentucky is grateful for the service you begin today.”
Cadet Class 107 includes 75 individuals who are beginning their career with KSP and six certified officers from other agencies who are participating in KSP’s Law Enforcement Accelerated Program (LEAP), which allows experienced law enforcement personnel to complete an abbreviated academy program before joining the agency.
“These men and women aspire to enter a career that demands accountability, professionalism and perseverance every single day,” KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said. “Training at the KSP Academy is designed to prepare them for any challenge ahead while building the confidence and skills necessary to serve Kentucky with integrity.”
Cadet Class 107 will undergo an intensive 24-week training regimen with more than 1,000 hours of instruction and hands-on training in key areas such as constitutional law, crisis response, criminal investigations, juvenile and traffic law and community engagement. The curriculum also includes weapons training, emergency medical response, high-speed pursuit tactics, crowd control, hazardous materials handling and education on implicit bias.
Cadets in Class 107 represents 45 Kentucky counties, including Adair, Barren, Bell, Boone, Boyd, Boyle, Breathitt, Bullitt, Carter, Christian, Cumberland, Fayette, Floyd, Grayson, Hardin, Harlan, Henderson, Henry, Hopkins, Jackson, Jefferson, Jessamine, Johnson, Knox, Larue, Laurel, Lee, Letcher, Madison, Marshall, Martin, Menifee, Metcalfe, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Oldham, Owsley, Pike, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Shelby, Warren and Whitley counties. The class also includes cadets from Florida, Indiana and Ohio.
“The academy is where these cadets begin developing the mindset, discipline and decision-making abilities required of a Kentucky State Trooper,” KSP Academy Commander Capt. Joey Vorbeck stated. “Every aspect of training is focused on preparing them to meet the expectations of modern law enforcement while serving the public with professionalism and respect.”
The next cadet class is slated to arrive at the KSP Academy in March 2027.