Located in Richmond, the Department of Criminal Justice Training is Kentucky’s state-of-the-art facility providing basic and advanced training for law enforcement officers and telecommunicators across the commonwealth. DOCJT attendees are immersed in developing essential skills, leadership and knowledge through continually updated curriculum. Training materials are overseen by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council to meet the Kentucky Peace Officer Professional Standards, as mandated by state statutes. DOCJT furnishes officers with tactical best practices, latest technology training and information to protect the diverse communities they serve. Critical training is also provided for court security officers, coroners, and other state and federal law enforcement agencies.
The Law Enforcement Basic Training Academy provides training for peace officer recruits throughout the state, only excluding Louisville Metro Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Bowling Green Police Department and the Kentucky State Police, which each have independent academies. Additionally, DOCJT provides more than 200 in-service classes covering approximately 90 course areas to all law enforcement and telecommunications agencies within the state.
While situated on Eastern Kentucky University’s campus, DOCJT is a state-run department of the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, independent from the university. The multi-structure facility includes a 3,700 square foot tactical training facility outfitted with lights, sounds and moving doors; a one-eighth mile, climate-controlled indoor running track with a cushioned surface; a baffled, 16-lane firearms range; a DUI training lab, a fully functioning telecommunications training center, a model police station, 134 dorm rooms and 26 classrooms.
DOCJT was the first Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accredited public safety training academy in the United States and Canada in 2003. It was also the first public safety training academy to be designated a CALEA Flagship. Accreditation requires compliance with a predetermined number of nationally recognized standards and benefits all agencies trained by DOCJT by strengthening their position in officer training related litigation.
Mission Statement
DOCJT’s mission is to lead with integrity by illuminating a path of skills and knowledge that enhances law enforcement agencies and communities within the Commonwealth.
VALUES STATEMENT
DOCJT will meet its mission through its dedication to an uncompromised quality of training upheld by the following values:
Honor
Commitment
Transparency
Inclusivity
Purpose
Innovation
VISION STATEMENT
Inwardly connected, outwardly focused. Committed to doing it right.