MISSION

The mission of the Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) is to provide quality criminal justice training and services which advance the ability of Kentucky law enforcement to create a safe, secure environment in which to reduce crime and its cost to society.

It is the goal of the DOCJT to accomplish its mission while adhering to the values of honor, responsibility, and commitment.

The duties and powers of the DOCJT are prescribed in the Kentucky Revised Statutes, more specifically, in KRS 15A. 070:

(1) The DOCJT shall establish, supervise and coordinate training programs and schools for law enforcement personnel and any other justice or non-law enforcement-related personnel as prescribed by the secretary.

(2) The DOCJT shall make a continuing study of law enforcement training standards and upon request may furnish information relating to standards for recruitment, employment, promotion, organization, management, and operation of any law enforcement agency in Kentucky.

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About DOCJT

Located in Richmond, the DOCJT 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 shoot house 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 is accredited by two national accreditation agencies. It became 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 Agency in 2006. DOCJT became dually accredited when it received accreditation from the International Association of Continuing Education and Training (IACET) Commission in 2013. Accreditation requires compliance with a predetermined number of nationally recognized standards and benefits all agencies trained by DOCJT by strengthening their position in litigation involving officer training. It also enables the agency to provide Continuing Education Units (CEU) for its courses.