Career in Law Enforcement

 
 

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Minimum Requirements

Education: High school graduate.

Experience: None.

Education Substitution: None.

Experience Substitution: None.

Salary: (MIN-MID) $29,129.28-$38,588.64 Conservation Officer Recruit candidates who are Peace Officer Professional Standard certified upon hiring, and maintain POPS certification, will receive a monthly training stipend totaling $4000 annually.

Non-certified Recruit candidates will begin receiving the same monthly training stipend upon completion of the Peace Officer Professional Standards requirements and graduation from the Department of Criminal Justice Training Academy.

Grade: 12

Special Requirements: Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license

Hiring Process

  • Submit an online employment application to State Personnel Cabinet’s website http://careers.ky.gov
  • When a position is POSTED, you must self nominate (apply) to the POSTED job of interest. (you can not apply until a position has been posted)
  • The balance of the hiring process is as follows:
    • POPS fitness test and KDFWR Law Enforcement swim test
    • Background Investigation​​
    • Interview Board
    • Polygraph Examination, Drug Screen
    • Psychological Assessment, Medical Examination
    • Applicants will be notified of those chosen to become a Conservation Officer Recruit by the KDFWR

POPS Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to bench press 64% of his or her body weight
  • Must be able to complete 18 sit-ups in one minute
  • Must run for 300 meters in 65 seconds or less
  • Must complete 20 push-ups with no time limit
  • Must run a mile and a half in 17 minutes and 12 seconds or less
  • Must complete a 100 yard swim using the following techniques or any combination thereof: freestyle, breast stroke or side stroke followed by a 10 minute tread immediately followed by retrieving an object from 7 feet of water.

Conservation Officer Recruit Pre-Academy PT Program

Conservation Officer Recruit Pre-Academy Swimming Program


DOCJT (Department of Criminal Justice Training) (20 weeks)

Basic police officer training in fire arms, defensive tactics, search and seizure, and arrest


Fish and Wildlife Academy (12 weeks):

  • Firearms
  • Drug Identification
  • Hazardous Devices
  • ASP (Expandable Baton)
  • ATV (All Terrain Vehicles) Patrol
  • 4-wheel Operations
  • Waterfowl Training
  • Krav Maga Self Defense
  • Wildlife Forensics
  • Water Survival
  • Emergency Vessel Operations
  • Boat Accident Investigations
  • Fish Identification
  • Marine Theft​
  • Commercial Fishing
  • Trapping
  • Reptile Identification
  • Media Relations
  • Land Navigation
  • KRS
  •  Chapters 150 and 235 

Upon completion of the academies the cadet will then spend 16 weeks of field training with a primary and a secondary Field Training Officer.


Examples of duties and responsibilities

  • Receives required training of general law enforcement, firearms, emergency driving, boating, and fish and wildlife enforcement and management practices including closely supervised field training
  • Patrols fields, forest lands, streams, lakes and rivers
  • Interprets and enforces state and federal wildlife and boating laws and regulations administered by the agency and other criminal laws of the Commonwealth
  • Observes activities and prevents violations of law
  • Issues citations to violators and assist senior officers in apprehending violators and making arrests
  • Investigates complaints of violations of wildlife and boating laws
  • Investigates and reconstructs boating accidents, conduct drowning investigations and perform rescue duties
  • Collects and preserves evidence
  • Assimilates, analyzes and records data which aid in the identification, apprehension and prosecution of offenders and the recovery of property
  • Prepares cases, presents evidence and serve as a witness at hearings and trials
  • Prepares material, conducts and participates in meetings for adult and youth organizations and civic clubs, schools, and other places for the purpose of educating people on fish and wildlife and boating laws in Kentucky
  • Assists in other agency programs including fish and wildlife censuses, surveys and studies
  • Investigates wildlife damage complaints, habitat maintenance and improvement, and assist with educational activities, as well as public relations and other informational activities
  • Prepares and maintains records and report on daily, weekly and monthly activity reports
  • Operates various types of law enforcement equipment that includes boats, motors, firearms, cameras, binoculars, two-way radios, vehicles and has responsibility for the basic maintenance and repair of such equipment 

Typical working conditions and unique physical requirements:

Majority of time is spent outside. Conditions are consistent with other law enforcement officers. Must have the ability to run, swim, bend, stoop, lift, push and pull heavy objects and individuals. Must be able to be trained in the use of weapons and defensive tactics and in the use of other law enforcement related equipment.

Need Assistance with Applying?

To apply, please visit the Personnel Cabinet’s website at http://careers.ky.gov.

If you have any questions or concerns you may call 800-858-1549 or email FW-LErecruiting@ky.gov.

Law Enforcement Boat ATV Law Enforcement Inspecting Equipment Inspiring Youngsters Law Enforcement with Hunters


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