Gov. Beshear, Department of Criminal Justice Training Announce 23 Officers Graduate from the Academy of Police Supervision
On June 21, Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) announced that 23 law enforcement officers from agencies across the commonwealth graduated the Academy of Police Supervision (APS) Class 98. APS, also called the sergeant’s academy, is a three-week, 122-hour training program targeted for newly promoted sergeants or officers who are on their agency’s promotion list to become sergeants.
“Your commitment to leading your fellow officers is exemplary and inspiring, and I know the work you have done over the past three weeks has prepared you to lead them with honor and integrity,” said Gov. Beshear. “Thank you for all you do for your agencies and for Kentucky.”
APS was launched in 2003 as one of DOCJT’s leadership courses aimed at developing and shaping future and current leaders in law enforcement agencies across the commonwealth. The training program is a deep dive into how to positively influence groups of people, as well as how to apply situational leadership, demonstrate an understanding of constitutional and administrative law, emotional and social intelligence, ethical decision making, problem solving, emotional survival and public speaking.
“The APS program is an invaluable first step in leadership training, and I am excited to see how you will take this knowledge back to your departments and use it to encourage and strengthen the ranks you lead,” said DOCJT Commissioner Nicolai Jilek.
DOCJT is a state agency located on Eastern Kentucky University’s campus. The agency is the first in the nation to be accredited under the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies’ public safety training program designation.
APS Class 98 graduates and their agencies are:
Sgt. Whitney Adamson
Owensboro Police Department
Sgt. Jacob Allen
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
Sgt. James Black
Villa Hills Police Department
Sgt. Clay Booth
Daviess County Sheriff’s Office
Sgt. Eric Ebel
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
Sgt. Benjamin Fisher
Kentucky Department of Wildlife Resources
Sgt. Greg Gonzalez
Frankfort Police Department
Sgt. Jared Horton
Boone County Sheriff’s Office
Sgt. Elliott Hutton
Georgetown Police Department
Sgt. Michael Jonker
Bowling Green Police Department
Sgt. James Lewis
Bowling Green Police Department
Sgt. Gerald Mark
Elizabethtown Police Department
Lt. Larry Patterson
Somerset Police Department
Sgt. Thomas Reynolds
Murray State University Police Department
Sgt. Samantha Riley
Florence Police Department
Sgt. Michael Roberson
Mt. Washington Police Department
Sgt. Cody Santel
Paducah Police Department
Sgt. Kelsey Skaggs
Daviess County Sheriff’s Office
Sgt. John Stanko
Fayette County Schools Police Department
Sgt. Scott Sturgeon
Audubon Park Police Department
Sgt. Bryan Tackett
Flatwoods Police Department
Sgt. Elliott Taylor
Campbellsville Police Department
Sgt. Brittany Whitcomb
Fayette County Sheriff’s Office
DOCJT is a state agency located on Eastern Kentucky University’s campus. The agency is the first in the nation to be accredited under the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies’ public safety training program designation.
DOCJT is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). CALEA is seeking public input regarding DOCJT’s compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accredited status. Click here to submit comments.
Beshear-Coleman Administration Commitment to Making Kentucky a National Leader in Public Safety
The Beshear-Coleman administration’s top priority is the safety of all Kentuckians. The Governor's public safety actions are creating safer communities and a better Kentucky.
In December 2023, the Governor proposed a $500 increase to the law enforcement annual training stipend, but the General Assembly chose to provide a combined $262 increase over the next two years. The budget signed by the Governor raises the training stipend to an all-time high of $4,562 by fiscal year 2026. Additionally, the Governor is providing part-time law enforcement officers an annual training stipend for the first time in the history of the commonwealth.
Since taking office, Gov. Beshear has awarded more than $10 million in grant funding to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in purchasing the tools and resources that will not only allow them to protect Kentucky communities but will also ensure their safety as they stand on the front lines every day. In August 2023, the administration awarded $2.1 million in grant funding to enhance public safety, curb the sale of illegal drugs and fight addiction.
In July 2023, Gov. Beshear broke ground in Richmond on a new law enforcement training facility named in honor of Jody Cash, who lost his life in the line of duty May 16, 2022, while serving as chief deputy of the Calloway County Sheriff’s Department. Members of the Cash family, as well as state and local officials and staff from the DOCJT, joined the Governor in taking a step forward to enhance the safety of Kentucky’s nearly 8,000 peace officers who risk their lives every day to protect Kentucky families.
In June 2022, Gov. Beshear announced the Military to Law Enforcement Program (M-2-LE). M-2-LE allows local law enforcement agencies in Kentucky to hire active service members within all U.S. military branches during their last 180 days of service. Upon being contracted by a law enforcement agency, the military member will continue to receive their pay and benefits from the U.S. Military while they undergo law enforcement training at the Department of Criminal Justice Training.
