Kentucky Revised Statutes Title IX. Counties, Cities, and Other Local Units § 78.428.Police officers excluded from classified service

(1) The provisions of KRS 78.400, 78.405, and 78.425 shall not apply to the chief of police, assistant chiefs, and any officers above the rank of captain of county police forces in counties having a population of 600,000 or more. Said officers shall be appointed by the county judge/executive and shall not be considered covered officers, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section.

(2) Any employee covered by the provisions of KRS 78.400 to 78.480 who shall accept an appointment and qualify as chief of police or assistant chief of police shall be deemed to have received a leave of absence from the classified service for and during the incumbency of any of said respective positions. Should any such chief or assistant chief of police cease to serve as such there shall be restored to him the same classification and rank which he held prior to said appointment. Any person not covered by the provisions of KRS 78.400 to 78.480 when appointed to the position of chief of police or assistant chief of police shall not be deemed to be part of the classified service and shall not be returned to any classification or rank in the classified service when he ceases to serve in such capacity.