Internal Investigations Branch

Mission Statement
The mission of the Internal Investigations Branch is to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky by receiving and investigating certain limited allegations involving abuse of juveniles committed to, or in the custody of, the Department of Juvenile Justice and investigating administrative violations within the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet as determined by the Cabinet Secretary.  

The Internal Investigations Branch has been appointed by the Cabinet Secretary to be the program administrators for the Special Local Peace Officer (SLPO) and Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO) programs for the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. 

Once commissioned, these officers have full law enforcement authority on their designated properties only.  SLPOs are commissioned for duty on private property; SLEOs are commissioned for duty on public property.

For more information on becoming a SLPO, click here.

For more information on becoming a SLEO, click here.

See designated links to the right for applications.

The Internal Investigations Branch was established with the primary responsibility for investigating allegations of abuse or neglect of youth committed to, or in the custody of, the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).  Youth committed to facilities operated by DJJ have access to a hotline phone that is monitored by the office to report allegations.  Allegations that meet certain criteria are assigned for investigation. 

The number to report abuse or neglect that occurred while in the custody of DJJ is:  1-800-890-6854.

Investigators assigned to the office have previous law enforcement experience and training.  None of the investigators have sworn authority.

Investigations are conducted for administrative purposes and if criminal violations are discovered, the allegation is referred to law enforcement. 

The duties of the office have expanded to include investigating allegations within the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet with the exception of the Kentucky State Police and with certain restrictions in the Department of Public Advocacy. 

In 2008, the office was assigned the responsibility for conducting background investigations on applicants for commission as Special Law Enforcement Officers (SLEO) and Special Local Peace Officers (SLPO). 

The office is staffed with a staff assistant, three full-time investigators, two contract investigators, and one administrative assistant.

Since its inception in 2004, the office has conducted more than 1,100 investigations.

For more information, contact the Internal Investigations Branch at:

(502) 564-6688
125 Holmes Street, First Floor
Frankfort, KY  40601