Police Officer Recruit
City of Covington, Kentucky
Police Department
Location: Covington, KY
Position Type: Full-Time, Police Officer Recruit
Salary: Competitive Based on Experience
Notice: This position is for applicants that have never been a Police Officer. If you are currently a Police Officer or were formerly a Police Officer, please apply to the 'Police Officer - Lateral' opening.
PLEASE NOTE: Register for online testing as part of your application/resume submission. Contact will not be made until we have received test scores via the National Testing Network.
The City of Covington offers full testing services for the position of Police Officer Recruit through the National Testing Network (NTN). To register and schedule your test, please visit https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/. Complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test.
Review the City of Covington Police Officer Recruit job details, including minimum requirements, salary, and benefits.
Take an online practice test (if desired).
Upon completion of the exam, your scores will be forwarded to the City of Covington for further review.
Candidates who pass the exam will be placed on the City’s eligibility list.
Benefits You’ll Love
Salary Range and Career Growth
New recruits to the Covington Police Department will be placed in the Grade I salary range, which is currently $60,551.04 per year. Officers can progress in grade and salary as they gain experience:
Grade II (1-2 Years): $63,211.96
Grade III (2-5 Years): $69,797.75
Grade IV (5-7 Years): $76,935.68
Grade V (7-9 Years): $81,276.17
Grade VI (9+ Years): $82,436.58
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Annual KLEFPF Incentive: $4,562.00 annually.
Step-in Grade Pay Increases: Up to $82,436.58 based on experience.
Paid Holidays: 11.5 days per year, increasing with tenure.
Paid Vacation: 15 days annually, up to 30 days with tenure.
Personal Days: 4 days per year for personal use.
Paid Sick Leave: Time off when you're unwell.
Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
Employer-Paid Life Insurance: With options to purchase additional coverage.
College Tuition Reimbursement: Support for your education.
Uniform & Clothing Allowance: For gear and uniforms.
Longevity & Shift Differential Pay: Additional pay for experience and shifts.
Health & Wellness Center Access: Free access to fitness and healthcare services.
Kentucky Public Pensions Authority Membership: For your retirement planning.
Take-Home Vehicle Program: Available after meeting certain criteria.
As a Police Officer Recruit, you will be responsible for maintaining public order, protecting life and property, preventing crime, and ensuring the safety of all citizens. This is an entry-level position for individuals with no prior law enforcement experience. You will receive the necessary training to perform all required duties effectively, making it a rewarding opportunity to start your law enforcement career with the Covington Police Department.
Patrol & Public Safety: Patrol assigned areas of the city by foot, vehicle, or other means, responding to incidents and observing potential criminal activity.
Investigation & Reporting: Investigate accidents, crimes, and incidents, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare detailed reports.
Enforcement: Enforce traffic laws, DUI regulations, and general law enforcement duties, including making arrests and issuing citations.
Public Assistance: Provide directions, answer questions, and assist citizens with problems or concerns.
Court & Testimony: Prepare cases and testify in court as needed.
Community Engagement: Participate in community policing initiatives, building trust and working with the public to ensure safety and resolve issues.
Crime Scene Management: Secure and preserve crime scenes, gather evidence, and interview witnesses.
Emergency Response: Respond to and investigate traffic accidents, assist in rescue operations, and render medical aid when necessary.
Physical Demands: Pursue suspects, climb obstacles, and engage in other physical activities during investigations.
U.S. Citizenship
Be at least 21 years of age.
Ability to read, write and understand the English language
Possess a valid driver’s license
No felony convictions or prohibitions preventing possession of a firearm
Have not received a dishonorable discharge, bad conduct discharge, or general discharge under other than honorable conditions
Ability to successfully complete a fitness test
Associate Degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent credit hours while working towards a Bachelor’s Degree with an average grade of C or above, or
Two years of continuous active military service or two years of continuous law enforcement experience, or
A minimum of two years of established work history
Have a minimum of two years of full-time continuous employment as a municipal, county or state police officer
To proceed with the interview process, candidates must successfully complete the following evaluations:
Agility Test: To assess physical fitness.
Suitability Screening: To evaluate mental suitability for the position.
Polygraph Examination: To ensure truthfulness and integrity.
Background Examination: Includes fingerprinting to check for any criminal history.
Language, Mathematical, and Reasoning Skills
Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.
Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial topics to various groups.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability, statistical inference, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions, and apply them to practical situations.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to define problems, gather data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret various technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and handle abstract and concrete variables.
Physical Demands
Regular Talking or Hearing
Frequent Standing, Sitting, and Handling/Feeling Objects
Occasional Walking, Climbing, Balancing, Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, or Crawling
Ability to Lift/Move Up to 25 Pounds Frequently
Vision: Close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment
Work Environment
Outdoor Work: Most tasks performed outside, regardless of weather.
Exposure to Hazards: Work involves machinery, moving parts, fumes, chemicals, and occasionally dangerous equipment. Some tasks may require working at heights.
Covington, Kentucky, is a place where history and progress come together—and as a Police Officer Recruit, your work will be integral in shaping the future of our community. We attract the bold and the best—individuals who are ready to make a lasting impact—leaders, problem-solvers, and dedicated professionals who are committed to keeping our city safe. Your role in the Covington Police Department will directly contribute to ensuring the safety and well-being of our vibrant and growing community.
If you meet the qualifications and are ready to make a difference in Covington, we encourage you to apply today! Join a department that values your experience, your health, and your professional growth.
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Complete application
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Submit resume
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Register and complete entrance exam through the National Testing Network (NTN)
The City of Covington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences in our community. We encourage individuals from all walks of life to apply and proudly provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, color, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
