Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training Commissioner Alex Payne announced Tuesday a new initiative to offer basic training police recruits an opportunity to earn an associate’s degree at no charge. The program, which will start next month, allows recruits to simultaneously earn their degree and complete peace officer certification.
It’s a partnership between the department and Bluegrass Community and Technical College. With a degree in hand, Payne said an officer can further their career after law enforcement.
“With this program, two year associate’s degree right when I graduate, the chance to pursue that bachelor’s and possibly pursue that Master’s, then I leave. Look how much more marketable these people will be when they’ve ended their law enforcement career and maybe they want to decide to go out into the civilian world and continue working,” noted Payne.
Kentucky Law Enforcement Council Chair Spike Jones says it’s both a recruitment and retention tool. He believes the education program improves and assists an officer in policing while also enhances public perception of law enforcement. “Any time you have the opportunity to change your way of thinking through education. Look at maybe the same problem through a different perspective. I think it just opens your mind up to possibilities in dealing with folks on the street,” explained Jones.
Payne, meanwhile, says the $2,600 cost per recruit can be covered within the department budget.
Weku's Stu Johnson spoke with Spike Jones following the news conference:
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