Police Officer Lateral Entry

One‑day Lateral Academy Orientation:
Friday, August 7, 2026

The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) Lateral Academy is expected to begin on Monday, August 17, 2026.

Essential Functions:

• Attends classes in personnel procedures, police regulations, current laws, the criminal justice system, human behavior, and other topics related to police work.
• Works in various operational bureaus to provide additional manpower and gain familiarity with Louisville Metro Police Department functions.
• Participates in practical training of firearms usage, driving, self‑defense, arrest procedures, use of police equipment and other procedures related to police work.
• Takes tests to measure knowledge gained, evaluates performance, and determines progress made.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High School Graduation or GED equivalent.
• Must have been employed as a sworn Police Officer in the United States with a minimum of three years of sworn Police Officer experience.

• Must currently possess a valid Kentucky Peace Officer Certification and/or be able to bring certification back to current status. OR, if out of state, must obtain reciprocity through the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC) per Title 503 Kentucky Administrative Regulation (KAR) 1:140.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or have any criminal action pending against them.
• Misdemeanor convictions will be considered on an individual basis.
• Must submit to a pre‑employment drug screening.
• Must submit to a pre‑employment polygraph examination.
• Must pass a pre‑employment physical agility test.
• Must take a pre‑employment written and oral psychological evaluation.
• Must wear personal protective and safety equipment as mandated by OSHA.
• Must be vaccinated for hepatitis B, have provided evidence of immunity, or have signed a declination form within ten days of initial assignment.
• Must work a varied schedule.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must pass a pre‑employment medical/stress examination.
• Must not be a current user of illegal drugs.
• Must have received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions if serving in any branch of the United States armed forces.
• Must not be prohibited by federal or state law from possessing a firearm.
• Must not have an accumulation of nine or more points for traffic violations.
• Must not have had peace‑officer certification permanently revoked in another state.
• Must not within a period of two years have hired themselves out, performed any service, or received any compensation from any private source for acting as a privately paid detective, policeman, guard, peace officer or any other private law‑enforcement role, or conducted the business of a private detective agency or similar, or advertised or solicited such business in connection with any labor dispute.

• Lifts and/or moves heavy objects or persons in the course of rescue activities.
• Physically restrains persons in the course of law‑enforcement activities.
• Chases suspects on foot in the course of law‑enforcement/criminal apprehension activities.
• Works outside in all extreme weather conditions.
• Operates police vehicles during the day and night; observes criminal actions; observes traffic violations; reviews and prepares reports and correspondence.
• Communicates with other individuals in person, over a telephone, and over a radio.

Louisville Metro Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Louisville Metro Government to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies (man‑made or natural) to meet the business needs of Louisville Metro Government.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and…