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QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED TO BECOME AN OFFICER WITH THE

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
POLICE DEPARTMENT

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SELECTION PROCESS FOR POLICE OFFICERS

The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees, under the provisions of KRS164.950, established the University of Kentucky Police Department (UKPD). In so doing, the Board established minimum qualifications of UKPD applicants. Additionally, specific Kentucky laws require individuals who apply for peace officer positions must meet certain criteria. The following minimum qualifications apply to UK Police Department police officer applicants:

Police Officer: performs police work of considerable difficulty in protecting life and property, suppressing and detecting crime, and serving the university community. Work assigned area patrol and other specialized functions on an assigned shift. Operations are 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

  • High school education or GED
  • Must be 21 years of age by application filing date.
  • Valid drivers license with the ability to operate motor vehicles.
  • Have not been convicted at any time of a felony.
  • Have been a law-abiding citizen and maintain a law-abiding lifestyle.
  • Have not been convicted of a serious misdemeanor within twelve months preceding the application filing date.
  • Have not used any illegal drugs within twelve months of the application filing deadline date.
  • Have not been involved in the cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution and/or trafficking of illegal drugs or substances.
  • Have not been fired or forced to resign from any job within the twelve months preceding the application filing date.
  • Have a driving history that reflects careful, prudent and law-abiding operation of a motor vehicle.
  • Have not worked as a security guard, etc. in a labor dispute situation within the past two years prior to the application filing date.
  • Physical strength and agility necessary to do police work including the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Subject to weekend, holiday, shift work and callback duty.
  • Will be required to successfully complete pre-employment polygraph, physical and psychological screening.
  • All employees must remain drug and alcohol free when reporting to work, while at work and while engaged in any work related activities per the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and university policy.

The following documents will be required:

  • A University of Kentucky job application and consent form must be completed.
  • A copy of high school diploma or GED Equivalency Certificate.
  • An official transcript of college credits is required, if applicable.
  • A copy of Separation from Service Forms DD214, if applicable.
  • A copy of a certified birth certificate. Hospital birth records are not acceptable.
  • Copy of any police training received (i.e., Police Academy graduation certificate).
  • Present a valid Kentucky driver's license.

The following general information is provided:

  • UK Employment Office will process each police officer applications in accordance with their procedures.
  • After the UK Employment Office completes their process, applications which meets the minimum qualifications, will be forwarded to the UK Police Department.
  • After applications are received at the UK Police Department and preliminary background/reference checking successfully completed, eligible applicants will be informed of the written testing dates.
  • After written test results are known, applicants who fail to meet the minimum test scores will be advised that they have been eliminated from consideration.
  • Those applicants who pass the written test will be scheduled for interviews by the UK Police Department personnel who will be conducting their background investigations.
  • Applicants who successfully complete the background investigation phase will be scheduled for polygraph, psychological, medical and physical agility examinations.
  • After all requirements have been successfully met a final interview will be conducted and those applicants selected will be notified.

All Police Officer Recruit and other University of Kentucky Police Department open positions will be listed on the University of Kentucky On-Line Employment System. Detailed instructions on how to complete an application are available. Specific questions can be addressed to Nancy Whitaker in the Employment Office.

Additional certificates/transcripts will be requested at a later point in the process.

The University Offers:

  • excellent salary & health insurance options
  • paid uniforms and monthly uniform allowance
  • overtime opportunities
  • 40-hour/4 day work week
  • liberal retirement contributions
  • generous vacation and sick leave
  • paid professional education opportunities
  • tuition defrayal for UK/LCC college credit classes

If you have questions about the employment part of the application process contact Nancy Whitaker.

If you have questions about the police department part of the application process contact Ofc Kevin Dolen or Ofc. Robert Turner.