​Leadership program focused on developing, shaping future, current leaders in law enforcement

RICHMOND, Ky. (July 29, 2022) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) announced that 24 law enforcement officers from agencies across the commonwealth graduated the Academy of Police Supervision (APS) Class 90. 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," Gov. Beshear said. “I wish you all the best as take on positions of leadership within your agency and continue to serve your community."

APS was launched in 2003 as one of DOCJT's illustrious 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," DOCJT Commissioner Nicolai Jilek said. “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."

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 also earned re-accreditation through the International Association for Continuing Education and Training in 2018.

APS Class 90 graduates and their agencies are:

Sgt. Jerrod Alley, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

Sgt. Justin Auton, Erlanger Police Department

Sgt. Austin Battcher, Mt. Washington Police Department

Sgt. Blake Blair, Fayette County Sheriff's Office

Sgt. Evan Brown, Mt. Washington Police Department

Capt. Lee Chandler, Union County Sheriff's Office

Sgt. Tony Desoto, Georgetown Police Department

Sgt. Keith Dews, Carrollton Police Department

Sgt. Michael Dietz, Ft. Thomas Police Department

Sgt. Bryan Dolen, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

Capt. Lisa Dollins, Danville Police Department

Lt. Jake Finley, University of Kentucky Police Department

Sgt. David Harrison, Mayfield Police Department

Sgt. Harvey Johnson, Middlesboro Police Department

Sgt. Dustin Lucas, Elizabethtown Police Department

Sgt. Jason Millay, Ft. Wright Police Department

Sgt. Andrew Salmons, Somerset Police Department

Sgt. Jeffrey Stamper, Morehead Police Department

Sgt. Tom Starks, McCracken County Sheriff's Office

Sgt. Eric Taylor, Paducah Police Department

Sgt. Troy Truett, London Police Department

Sgt. John Vollet, Taylor Mill Police Department

Sgt. Jared Ward, Hopkins County Sheriff's Office

Sgt. Nicholas Wellman, Owensboro Police Department​

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