Kentucky’s Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) is proactively enhancing law enforcement career development through strategic educational partnerships. The recently launched “Educating Heroes” initiative exemplifies this commitment, offering a seamless pathway for officers to advance their academic credentials alongside their professional training. This program, a collaboration between DOCJT, Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC), and the University of the Cumberlands, is designed to equip Kentucky’s law enforcement professionals with enhanced educational opportunities, directly supporting their career progression and long-term success.
The cornerstone of this initiative is the integration of academic learning with practical law enforcement training. Recruits entering DOCJT’s Law Enforcement Basic Training Academy can simultaneously earn an Associate of Applied Science degree from BCTC. By completing DOCJT’s intensive 20-week academy, recruits automatically gain 45 college credit hours. Complementing this, an additional 15 credit hours are earned through BCTC’s online occupational technical studies program, all while undergoing their initial law enforcement training. This dual enrollment approach recognizes the rigorous nature of DOCJT training and efficiently translates it into academic credit, accelerating officers’ educational journeys right from the start of their careers.
Kentucky Justice Secretary John Tilley highlighted the program’s significance during its announcement, stating, “DOCJT is not only a leader in training, but also professionalism, and this program demonstrates the department’s unwavering commitment to serving those who serve us.” He emphasized that “Educating Heroes” provides “lifelong benefits for recruits and a powerful incentive to help law enforcement agencies attract new talent in our competitive economy.” With approximately 300 recruits passing through the academy annually, this initiative is poised to significantly impact the educational landscape of law enforcement in Kentucky, fostering both recruitment and retention.
Building upon the associate’s degree foundation, the partnership extends to the University of the Cumberlands, providing a clear path to a bachelor’s degree. Officers can transfer their BCTC Associate in Applied Science degree to the University of the Cumberlands and, through an additional 60 credit hours in criminal justice, complete a Bachelor’s degree. The University of the Cumberlands’ program is delivered entirely online, specifically catering to the schedules of working law enforcement officers, enabling them to further their education without disrupting their field duties. This online flexibility is crucial for officers seeking career advancement through continuous education while maintaining their service commitments.
Dr. Koffi Akakpo, President of BCTC, underscored the collaborative spirit, stating, “BCTC is honored to partner with the Department of Criminal Justice Training and University of the Cumberlands to help provide educational opportunities for law enforcement officers across the Commonwealth.” He acknowledged the program as “an amazing educational opportunity for those who sacrifice so much and put their lives on the line each day.”
Dr. Christopher Leskiw, Vice-President for Academic Affairs at University of the Cumberlands, pointed out the immediate positive impact on Kentucky law enforcement agencies. He noted the affordability of the University of the Cumberlands, making it accessible for officers to pursue bachelor’s degrees. Dr. Leskiw expressed enthusiasm about the partnership enabling “hardworking Kentuckians, especially those who serve our communities, to find more opportunities in the classroom and the career field,” confidently asserting that “this initiative will encourage more students to seek out law enforcement as an honorable, stable career choice.”
Furthermore, Dr. Leskiw highlighted the advanced career development opportunities embedded within this educational pathway. Graduates of the Cumberlands criminal justice program who also attain specific certifications through DOCJT’s Career Development program are eligible for transfer credit towards a Master’s in Justice Administration at the University of the Cumberlands. This seamless progression from basic training to advanced degrees showcases DOCJT’s holistic approach to career development within law enforcement.
For those interested in exploring this comprehensive career development program, further details can be found at www.ucumberlands.edu/lawenforcement. This partnership stands as a testament to DOCJT’s dedication to fostering continuous growth and educational advancement for Kentucky’s law enforcement professionals, ensuring a highly skilled and knowledgeable force for the Commonwealth.
