In an effort to expand the potential pool of job applicants for Kentucky State Police, Republican state Sen. Danny Carroll of Paducah is sponsoring legislation that removes the age ceiling for applicants.

“Whereas recruitment of law enforcement officers to the Department of Kentucky State Police is critically important for public safety in the Commonwealth, an emergency is declared to exist, and this Act takes effect upon its passage and approval by the Governor or upon its otherwise becoming law,” according to Senate Bill 247.

When Carroll first introduced SB247, in addition to removing the age ceiling, the bill proposed changing officer eligibility to allow a person with a high school diploma or General Educational Development diploma and three years of “experience demonstrating commitment and professionalism in prior employment, training and certifications” to become a sworn officer. Currently, KSP requires applicants to have 60 semester hours of credit from an accredited college or university or be a high school graduate with at least two years of active military duty or two years experience as a full-time sworn law enforcement officer.

“They came to me with the bill,” said Carroll, who is a retired assistant chief with the Paducah Police Department. “It was some change they wanted to make in their operations. …

“They are facing some struggles, as are most law enforcement agencies across the state, in recruiting.”

As the bill moved through the Senate, it was amended to leave the current educational and/or work experience requirements in place but lift the age ceiling that requires candidates to be at least 21 years old but no older than 31.

“I think we just had some members who wanted to take some time,” Carroll said. “In a day when we need officers who are skilled, we need to be careful about cutting back qualifications. So that was the concern. But I think it will come up again. I think you will see across the state some educational requirements will be cut back if recruiting difficulties continue.

“What their plan was was to open the labor market they can draw from as much as possible.”

Carroll introduced the bill Feb. 16. As of Friday, the bill had received two readings in the Senate. A third is required before a vote can be taken.

“I had 24 years in law enforcement and I know the struggles to get good qualified people. But I also know the value in getting good qualified applicants. It’s a difficult balance. We’re just getting to a point where you have to worry about numbers,” Carroll said.