Gov. Beshear Announces Department of Criminal Justice Training Class 518 Graduates Basic Training

On August 19, On August 19, Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) announced that 28 law enforcement officers from agencies across the state have graduated the basic training academy.

“Your commitment and determination to serve the commonwealth is honorable, and we are grateful that you have chosen this selfless profession,” Gov. Beshear said. “We are excited to see the good things you will do in your communities and pray for a safe and healthy career for each of you.”

The graduates of Class 518 received 800 hours of recruit-level instruction over 20 weeks. Major training areas include patrol procedures, physical training, vehicle operations, defensive tactics, criminal law, traffic and DUI, firearms, criminal investigations, cultural awareness, bias related crimes and tactical responses to crisis situations.

Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Kerry Harvey spoke during the graduation ceremony, where a moment of silence was held for Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Shirley, who was shot and killed on Aug. 5. Deputy Shirley was a recent basic training academy graduate from DOCJT Class 506.

“Today you leave this academy and have earned more than the honor of carrying a badge,” Secretary Harvey said. “You now carry with you the responsibility of serving with honor, integrity, fairness and transparency. Take this responsibility to heart and the people you protect will see how much you care.”