Applications from highly qualified lateral entry candidates are welcomed. 

Eligibility for out-of-state reciprocity is determined by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC), typically by having completed a police academy which certified you to be a peace officer in that state AND having at least one year of FULL TIME, PAID experience as a police officer in that state. 

KLEC determines ultimate eligibility for out-of-state reciprocity on a case-by-case basis through review of a candidate's basic training information and confirmation that it meets or exceeds Kentucky standards at the time the basic course/academy was completed. 

Per KLEC guidelines, if the police academy was completed after December 1, 1998, the applicant must meet all 17 Peace Officer Professional Standards including successful completion of the physical agility test.

For more information regarding KLEC reciprocity click the link below. 

KLEC reciprocity information 

If you are interested in becoming a police officer in Kentucky, you must first be hired by a police agency. Once hired, the police academy is a 20 week program held at the Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) which is located in Richmond, KY. DOCJT's training curriculum is overseen by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC), it is continuously updated to meet Kentucky Police Officer Professional Standards (POPS) as mandated by state statutes. 

Applicants must:

• be at least 21 years of age
• be a US citizen
• have a high school diploma or GED
• successfully complete an extensive background investigation including a drug screen, polygraph, psychological, and physical examination
• complete and pass a physical agility test

Applicants may not:

• have been convicted of a felony
• have received a Dishonorable Discharge or General Discharge under other than Honorable Conditions. (if applicable)

Like most departments, we seek experienced lateral entry candidates. However, we do send recruits through the police academy periodically and encourage highly qualified candidates to apply. 

University Police offers a great work life balance appealing to anyone looking to serve the University community - even those who might not have considered a career in law enforcement. 

Are you a veteran police officer looking for a change of pace in a great community? Maybe you're an established professional looking to transition into a career where you can play a role in the education of students? Or perhaps you're just beginning a career and are interested in protecting, serving, and educating.

Northern Kentucky University offers a tuition waiver program to employees to promote the professional and personal development of its faculty and staff and assist employees' families in obtaining education and training.

Employees are eligible to utilize tuition waiver for undergraduate, graduate or law classes after successful completion of probationary period. Spouses and/or dependants are eligible to utilize tuition waiver for undergraduate classes at NKU only.

Full time staff members are eligible for six (6) credit hours per semester/entire summer session for the employee as well as the employee's spouse and dependants. 

Northern Kentucky University offers employees comprehensive benefits including health coverage, dental coverage, vision coverage, life insurance, short term disability, long term disability, and retirement plans. Also available is the Employee Assistance Program and employee discounts programs through many tri-state businesses. 

For more information click link below. 

Benefit information

The NKU Police Department is dedicated to improving student's experiences and success while attending NKU, as well as improving social and economic opportunities and outcomes post-graduation. Our approach towards student success is to create a safe and welcoming environment through consistent student engagement, programs, and services. In addition, we focus on developing strong and positive relationships with students that remains beyond graduation. 

The main objective of the Community Relations Team (CRT) is to create a safe and fun environment through teamwork and education for the entire NKU community. CRT also extends its services to anyone who is interested in having a member from the team become involved within your group, team, organization, project or program. The involvement doesn't have to be safety related. As long as the missions is to have fun, educate and/or strengthen relationships, we will be more than happy to be a part of your project. Individuals, organizations or groups who would like an officer for crime or safety presentations, programs or events or any other activities, please contact University Police Department at (859) 572-5991.