Justice Deputy Secretary Greets Council
It felt like a homecoming for Ronnie Bastin (pictured above) who, for the first time since becoming deputy secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, addressed the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020, in Louisville.
Having served as the chief of the Lexington Police Department, where he worked for 30 years, Bastin looked out at familiar faces sitting on the board and in the gallery and thanked them.
“I understand what you do, I understand the importance of what you do and have lived long enough to see the results of what’s been done by this group,” he said.
Greetings were extended on behalf of Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Justice Mary Noble by Bastin.
“We are going to be here to support you all for the next four years and do what we can to promote Kentucky law enforcement,” said Bastin. “We are very proud of what’s been done. Kentucky law enforcement has become a leader in the nation because of the work of this council and what’s been accomplished here with POPS (Peace Officer Professional Standards), professionalism and a commitment to that..”
Bastin noted Gov. Andy Beshear’s support of law enforcement through a proposed budget that would increase the Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program Fund stipend up to $4,600.
The deputy secretary also stated the desire to have a new KLEC executive director in place soon.
In other business
The Bowling Green Police Department was given the green light to proceed with creating their own basic training academy. A KLEC staff inspection of the BGPD facilities noted that the required standards were met or exceeded. Deputy Chief Penny Bowles gave the council and those attending the meeting a virtual tour and spoke on plans of expansion during the first day of the winter 2020 meeting.
The council’s curriculum committee recommended approval for 66 curriculums through various training agencies, including DOCJT, Kentucky State Police, Louisville Metro Police Department, Southern Police Institute and John E. Reid & Associates.
Additionally, the curriculum committee unanimously passed a motion in opposition to House Bill 240, which requests two seats to be added to KLEC for the National Emergency Number Association and the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials.
Richard F. Ferretti, Commissioner for the Department of Criminal Investigations, was sworn in as the council’s newest member. Ferretti serves under the Kentucky Attorney General’s office.
