Lexington and Louisville say they're always looking for more police officers today.

The police chiefs of both cities told Kentucky lawmakers how they're making the profession more appealing to new recruits.

We're not the police departments of the past.

We realize that.

Our position is as guardians and protectors, and we have to take that seriously.

And we have to get that message out there and by interacting with the public and interacting with younger people.

That's why we ask for the lower age, because we realize I got people in 18 years old that want to be police.

I haven't seen that before.

That's because people that are working for us are interacting and getting that message out there.

In 2021, a new officer made $45,000 walking through the door.

We know what the financial burden is not just of this job, but what every Kentuckian is going through right now.

And so to be able to to say that in 2026, a new officer will will walk through the door and they will make $66,000 in their first year is extremely important.

If we expect to put out a quality product, we have to pay people at a quality, quality rate.

Ultimately, and in this profession, just like any other, you're going to get what you pay for.

The Louisville Metro Council will sign off on its city budget by the end of this month.

Lmpd is the most expensive city department.

Mayor Craig Greenberg is requesting nearly $250 million for the police.

Some police accountability activists say all that money would be better spent elsewhere.