# Kentucky State Police confront recruitment, retention challenges **Published:** 2025-06-23T00:00:00.000Z **Source:** [KY Legislative Research Commission](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/publicservices/pio/release.html#KSPUpdate-062326) **AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) **Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/kentucky-state-police-confront-recruitment-retention-challenges FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky State Police force has expanded significantly in recent years, but the agency continues to grapple with substantial recruitment and retention hurdles that are reflective of [national staffing challenges facing law enforcement agencies](https://www.lexipol.com/resources/blog/the-state-of-police-recruitment-and-retention-a-continuing-concern/), according to remarks made before state lawmakers. Kentucky State Police Commissioner Col. Phillip Burnett Jr. told the [Interim Joint Committee on State Government on Tuesday](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/publicservices/pio/release.html#KSPUpdate-062326) that KSP is not exempt from difficulties that plague police departments across the country. Most state police agencies nationwide face a 10% staffing shortage, Burnett said. The commissioner identified multiple obstacles to building a full force, including competition from remote-work opportunities and negative public perceptions of law enforcement. However, Burnett emphasized that KSP distinguishes itself from other agencies by highlighting community and government support for officers. "Law enforcement is typically celebrated and supported, and not just with our citizens, but with our leaders, our general assembly, our governor, everyone is supportive of law enforcement," Burnett told lawmakers. Burnett also cited the lengthy hiring process and recent pension system changes as barriers to recruitment. The changes to benefits have been particularly damaging to recruitment efforts, he said, as qualified candidates weigh career options. Retention of newly trained officers presents an equally pressing challenge. A cadet class that began with 81 recruits in May has since dropped to 48, according to Burnett. Exit interviews reveal varied reasons for departures, though homesickness and unmet expectations about the job predominate. "The majority of them say that 'law enforcement is not what I thought it would be,' or they're not physically fit or mentally prepared," Burnett said. "They're homesick. They don't want to be away from home, and some of them have never been away from home." To address attrition, KSP plans to reduce training from 24 weeks to 22 weeks and incorporate virtual instruction for the next cadet class. The agency is also expanding mentorship opportunities, including an [apprenticeship program that guarantees academy placement upon completion](https://www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/recruitment). Despite challenges, the agency has achieved notable growth. Increased trooper pay authorized by the General Assembly has helped grow the force from around 700 officers in 2020 to near historic levels in 2024 and 2025. KSP is exploring partnerships with community colleges and has intensified efforts to recruit women, though Burnett acknowledged that female recruitment numbers remain below targets despite dedicated initiatives. The next Interim Joint Committee on State Government meeting is scheduled for July 8 at 11 a.m. ## Sources - [KY Legislative Research Commission](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/publicservices/pio/release.html#KSPUpdate-062326) - [Lexipol - The State of Police Recruitment and Retention: A Continuing Concern](https://www.lexipol.com/resources/blog/the-state-of-police-recruitment-and-retention-a-continuing-concern/) - [Kentucky State Police Recruitment Branch](https://www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/recruitment) --- This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from KY Legislative Research Commission, enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/publicservices/pio/release.html#KSPUpdate-062326.