Come Join The Team

Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement (KVE) is the newest Department within the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, transferring from the Transportation Cabinet on June 16, 2004. This important move is a part of Governor Fletcher and Lt. Governor Pence’s effort to streamline state government and bring similar functions within the same Cabinet for a more effective and efficient operation.

Additionally, KVE participates in Kentucky’s Drive Smart Program, Seat-Belt and Buckle-Up Challenges, holiday traffic patrols, Child Restraint Education, and other joint programs with agencies such as the Kentucky State Police, Sheriff’s Departments, and other police and safety-oriented groups.

KVE focuses on safety on the highways of the Commonwealth with the primary emphasis being commercial traffic: vehicle safety, driver safety, and proper authority and compliance for vehicles operating in commerce.

Inspectors staff the weigh facilities, weigh trucks to determine compliance and inspect driver / vehicle records. Inspectors are also responsible for data entry as well as other organizational skills.

Civilian personnel are employed in various positions with duties that include clerical, secretarial, computer operations, data entry, data analysis, bookkeeping, purchasing, record keeping and other general finance work. While many of the civilian positions are located in Frankfort, several positions are located at facilities throughout the state.

Officers patrol Kentucky roadways, operate weigh facilities, and weigh commercial vehicles to determine compliance with legal limits. Another responsibility is the inspection of driver / vehicle records for compliance with licensing, permits, vehicle / driver operation laws and regulations and enforcing state & federal laws. KVE Officers conduct vehicle accident investigations, impound vehicles and make arrests. Additional duties could include gathering & preparing physical evidence for use in court.

KVE has several special sections that experienced employees may consider including the Compliance Review Section, Criminal Interdiction, the Training Section, K-9, ect.

Officer I is the entry level for the Officer path, and promotions can lead to Officer II, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Major. Typically, Sergeants and above are supervisory positions; additionally, sergeants act as Regional Trainers. Civilian employees in the field are generally limited to data entry, clerical and / or basic secretarial positions, however, additional options are available at the offices in Frankfort.

Employees of the Commonwealth receive both health and life insurance benefits. They also typically recieve eleven paid holidays per year as well as annual and sick leave benefits. The Commonwealth also provides retirement benefits for all employees. KVE Officers recieve extended benefits in the form of a Hazardous Duty Retirement package. Other benefit options include deferred comp, credit union membership, bereavement packages, direct deposit options, Kentucky Employee Assistance Program, and a variety of training and educational opportunities.

Also, starting January 1, 2006, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement officers will begin participation in the Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program Fund (KLEFPF) and will receive the $3,100 annual training incentive pay stipend.

Law enforcement applicants with KVE must follow Kentucky Law Enforcement’s Peace Officer Professional Standards Act (POPS).

POPS dictate what the minimum standard is for becoming a peace officer in Kentucky. The law requires applicants to law enforcement agencies in Kentucky to meet 16 pre-employment standards prior to becoming a peace officer in the state. This legislation requires: a High School Diploma or GED, be at least 21 years of age, and possess a valid drivers license. Click here for POP's overview.

Once hired, officers must, at a minimum, successfully complete 18 weeks of basic training, 2 weeks of North American Standard Driver / Vehicle Inspection training, 1 week of Radar training and 1 week of Hazardous Materials training. Thereafter, officers are required to successfully complete a minimum of 40 hours of in-service annually