Beshear Signs Bills to Fund Competitive Salaries, Expand Benefits for State Police

KSP are currently experiencing their largest shortage of troopers and officers in more than 30 years.

(Frankfort, Ky.) – Governor Andy Beshear has signed two pieces of legislations that make historic investments in law enforcement.

House Bill 259 ensures that all troopers will receive a $15,000 raise. The legislation also changes Kentucky State Police’s starting pay for sworn officers from $40,000 to $55,000 annually.

Additionally, the signing of Senate Bill 209 establishes paid vacation, sick leave and holiday pay, as well has enhanced insurance contribution payments for retired KSP troopers and CVE officers.

“My administration’s top priority is to protect our Kentucky families and communities, which is why we must boldly invest in our law enforcement,” Gov. Beshear said. “Thank you to every KSP trooper and officer who quickly responds to the emergencies and needs of the diverse communities that make up our commonwealth. Today, we show our appreciation by signing these bills into law.”

Last November, Beshear announced his two-year budget proposal would provide millions of dollars to fund competitive salaries for KSP troopers and officers.

These funds would allow the agency to recruit, train and retain officers throughout the state.

KSP is experiencing an unprecedented shortage of troopers, with its lowest numbers in more than 30 years. The agency is staffed with 856 full-time sworn troopers and officers, which is 150 short of the agency’s sworn strength in 2006.

Currently, KSP ranks 74th in the state among law enforcement agencies for starting pay and compared with state police agencies in seven neighboring states, KSP ranks last in pay overall.

“We cannot provide law and order if we do not have good, qualified law enforcement officers employed and on the streets,” Gov. Beshear said. “This historic salary increase for troopers and commercial vehicle officers will put KSP among the top five law enforcement agencies in the commonwealth.”

Last month, 71 cadets graduated from KSP’s basic training academy and are reporting for duty across the commonwealth. The cadet class is the largest KSP graduating class since 2014.