DOCJT Committed to Vision of Trust and Accountability
A recent audit of the Department of Criminal Justice Training and the Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program Fund revealed results that were both disappointing and embarrassing to all of Kentucky’s law enforcement.
Mistakes were made, and every effort is being taken to rectify issues raised by the audit. A complete report detailing how this administration is working toward returning DOCJT to its exceptional reputation of outstanding law enforcement training will be made available for your review.
Transparency of our operations is just one way this agency is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
“Honor, commitment, integrity, responsibility, ethics and professionalism are not just words. They are the fabric of everything DOCJT stands for and strives to achieve.”
As DOCJT commissioner, I want to assure you that the philosophy of our newly-appointed executive staff is to look to the future impact this agency can make in Kentucky law enforcement, not to dwell in the past. Our vision is to operate under the highest level of trust and accountability to those we serve.
Our commitment to this vision began months before the audit results were released, in part through placement of the new executive staff. The team we have selected are some of the most experienced and professional law enforcement executives in the country. As they each have been put into place over the past several months, they immediately began working tirelessly to provide the foundation for the best training possible to our clients.
While I firmly believe this leadership team is second to none, our jobs are made easier each day because of DOCJT staff members who are committed to an unwavering standard of excellence in training. I have been associated with many great organizations in my life. I honestly can say that leading the men and women at DOCJT is the greatest professional honor of my career. Each day, I am humbled by the dedication and passion they demonstrate in support of Kentucky’s first responders.
Today, when you enter DOCJT’s main lobby, our values are proudly displayed around the room. Honor, commitment, integrity, responsibility, ethics and professionalism are not just words. They are the fabric of everything DOCJT stands for and strives to achieve.
With responsibility, we are addressing the spending issues detailed in the audit. With commitment, we are working to have proper procedures in place to provide the highest degree of integrity in training.
With honor, we will work together with Eastern Kentucky University President Michael Benson, who has been a devoted supporter of law enforcement. I recently met with President Benson, and he and his staff are working with the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet in a methodical and cooperative manner to address each issue mentioned in the audit relating to EKU.
We will provide professional and ethical support in the administration of KLEFPF funds, working together with our state legislators to ensure all funds are dedicated for law enforcement purposes.
While the audit’s findings have not been easy to endure, we are grateful to Kentucky Auditor Mike Harmon for conducting this audit and identifying areas where operations could be improved.
Further, we remain committed to our primary goal — which is to keep the names of the commonwealth’s law enforcement officers from being etched into the steel walls of the Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial.
Thank you for your commitment to the citizens of Kentucky. God bless, be safe, wear your vests and seat belts, slow down and serve with respect for all!
