Hiring Process and Online Application

If you are interested in becoming a Paducah Police Officer, you'll need to file an application for employment online through the City of Paducah Human Resources Department.  You'll need to submit a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport showing you are at least 21 years of age, a copy of your driver's license, documentation that you are a citizen of the United States if not confirmed by your birth certificate, and documentation that you possess a minimum of 30 credit hours from an accredited college, community college, or vocational school; OR a high school diploma or GED and proof of one year of sworn, full-time law enforcement experience or one year of full-time military service.    If you have a question, click Recruiting Team to contact a member of the Paducah Police Department's team.   

Note:  Effective April 16, 2012, the Police Department changed its hiring policy to require 60 college credit hours, instead of 30 credit hours.  Applicants without the necessary college hours are still eligible if they have at least one year full-time sworn law enforcement experience or two years full-time military (with National Guard and Reserve time considered on a case-by-case basis).  The change will not affect those who submitted applications before April 16.

2012 Police Department Packet of Information >>

After submitting the application and once it is determined that you meet the minimum qualifications, you'll be placed on the list for the next testing session.  The testing process involves with a physical agility test and a written test, administered consecutively on the same day.  Those who receive a passing score on these exams will be scheduled as soon as possible for an interview.  Based upon your tests and interview results, as well as the number of vacancies in the Department, an investigation regarding your background is initiated.  Former employers, co-workers, friends, and neighbors will be asked about your character and integrity.  There will also be checks of your criminal history, traffic record, and credit report.  Hopefully, after a comprehensive review of your application file, you will now be among those eligible finalists to be selected as Paducah Police Officer Recruits.  

Minimum Qualifications 

Law enforcement is a challenging and rewarding career.  However, not everyone has the required integrity, communication skills, and commitment to serve their community.  It takes an individual who can work under adverse and stressful conditions, possesses sound decision-making skills, and can work effectively and efficiently in a team concept.  If you think you have the desired skills and abilities to begin a successful career with the Paducah Police Department, please review the following minimum qualifications.

To qualify, all applicants must:

• Must be a citizen of the United States and at least twenty-one years of age 
• Must possess a minimum of 30 hours college credit from an accreditied college, community college, or vocational school; OR a high school diploma or GED and proof of one year of sworn, full-time law enforcement experience or one year of full-time military experience   
• Must possess a valid operator's license and be able to operate a motor vehicle 
• Must successfully undergo a fingerprint check through the Kentucky State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Must be able to identify the colors red, green, and yellow
• Must have standard visual acuity:  without correction, not less than 20/40 in one eye and 20/100 in the other eye; with correction, not less than 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other eye
• If served in the military, possess a conditional or an honorable discharge
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language
• Must submit to and pass a medical examination
• Must submit to and pass a drug screen
• Must submit to and pass a background investigation which shall include a credit check
• Must submit to and pass an interview process
• Must pass a pre-employment physical fitness screening
• Must pass required physical fitness standards as specified in the Peace Officers Professional Standards (POPS)
• Must pass a psychological examination
• Must submit to a polygraph examination

Police Officer applicants may be disqualified during the selection process when it is determined that the applicant is not qualified or suitable for the job.  Click Reasons for Disqualification for a list of criteria that serve as guidelines to assist in determining disqualification.  

Benefits

The Paducah Police Department boasts a competitive salary and benefits package in a part of the country known to have a low cost of living.  Currently, Recruit Officers earn $39,457 while in the Academy.  After one year of service, pay increases to $41,600.  In addition, the state of Kentucky provides $3,100.00 in "incentive pay" after graduation from the Academy.  Officers also receive 10 paid holidays and 15 days vacation the first year, vacation increases with years of service.  Sidearms and all leather gear are furnished, and uniforms are purchased using an annual clothing allowance.  After completion of the Police Training Officer (PTO) program, McCracken County residents are eligible for a take-home police vehicle. Health insurance, educational tuition assistance, credit union membership, and access to exercise equipment and a wellness program are just a few of the perks of being a Paducah Police Officer.  Also, after successfully completing the probationary period, the Paducah Police Department offers several Specialized Assignments options.

Minority Recruitment Committee

In 2012, the Paducah Police Department created a committee to assess current law enforcement practices and the community's feeling toward how the Paducah Police Department can better appeal to potential minority candidates.  The committee is led by Captain David White and among others includes members of the Paducah Human Rights Commission.  The committee hosted a Minority Recruitment Community Forum June 14, 2012 at the Robert Cherry Civic Center.  The forum was a question and answer session to gain input from the community in how to increase the number of qualified minority applicants.  Community feedback is vital in developing a solution.  A youth forum was held later in 2013 in cooperation with the Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club with approximately 30 in attendance.  What has been gleaned from the two sessions is that police need to be more involved with youth at an earlier age and actively look for ways to be positive role models.  Some of the programs that have been enacted due to feedback to the committee include the Junior Citizens' Police Academy, an open house for high school and college students, and the restarting of the Law Enforcement Explorer program. 

Community Forum Flyer >>

Executive Summary and Action Plan >>

Photos from June 14, 2012 Forum >>

Contact Information and Recruiting Team

For more information regarding employment, email Captain David White or call (270) 444-8534.  For application information, email Missi Dotson at the City of Paducah Human Resources Department or call (270)444-8540.  Members of ethnic minority groups and females are strongly encouraged to apply.

If you have a question, members of the Paducah Police Department's recruiting team are available to help.  Team members are listed below.  Click the name to send an email.

• Capt. David White
• Sgt. Wes Kimbler
• Chris Bolton
• Shawn Craven
• Dana Davie
• Beau Green
• W. Justin Hodges
• Matt Scheer
• Corey Willenborg
• Jarrett Woodruff