Take the first step: Apply online

If you have ever wanted to become a police officer, now is your chance to make a difference in the community! The Lexington Police Department is currently accepting applications for police recruits. 

The Lexington Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Step 1: Apply online

Applications can be submitted online using the link below. All applications must be submitted by Monday, March 18, 2024.

Apply Now

Step 2: Register for the written exam

The Lexington Police Department administers the National Police Officer Selection Test to potential recruits. The exam includes:

  • Mathematics:  20 questions – 20-minute time limit
  • Reading comprehension:  25 questions – 25-minute time limit
  • Grammar:  20 questions – 15-minute time limit
     

While related to police work, no prior knowledge of law enforcement is needed. The written test will count for 35% of your overall score. The passing score is 65%. Once the written test is complete, each candidate will be immediately graded and given their scores. Candidates will be scheduled for the physical fitness exam by a member of the training academy after successfully passing the written test. 

There are five written exams scheduled at this time. Please use the link below to register for an exam. 

  • January 6, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
  • January 30, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
  • February 24, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
  • March 23, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
     

Register for the written exam

Step 3: The physical fitness test

The Lexington Police Department administers the POPS physical fitness test to measure applicant physical preparedness. The test consists of five parts listed below:

  1. Bench press 
  2. Sit-up test 
  3. 300-meter run 
  4. Push-up test 
  5. 1.5-mile run 
     

The physical fitness test is required for all applicants. There are five physical fitness tests scheduled at this time.

  • January 6, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
  • January 31, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
  • February 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
  • March 23, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
     

Learn more about the physical fitness test

Step 4: The oral interview

Candidates who successfully complete the physical fitness test will be scheduled for an oral interview. The oral interview will consist of questions related to your previous work experience, training and knowledge for successful performance as a police officer. Prior law enforcement experience or a degree in criminal justice are not required!

The oral interview will be weighed at 65% of your overall score in the hiring process. After the oral interview is complete, applicant scores from the written test and oral interview are combined to compute the final score. Applicants will be preliminarily ranked in order based on their combined scores.

The oral interview is required. There are five days for oral interviews scheduled at this time. Times for the interviews will be announced after completion of the physical fitness test. 

  • January 7, 2024
  • February 1, 2024
  • February 25, 2024
  • March 24, 2024

Step 5: Background and polygraph

The background check and polygraph exam are required for applicants.

Visit the link below to learn more about the background and polygraph process. 

Background and Polygraph Process 

Step 6: Chief's selection

Candidates are selected by the Chief based on their cumulative performance throughout the hiring process and given a conditional offer of employment. 

Step 7: The Lexington Police Department Training Academy

After selection, the candidates become police recruits and attend the Lexington Police Department Training Academy.

To learn more about the LPD Training Academy, visit the link below.   

Lexington Police Department Training Academy