ALBANY, Ky. (July 30, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 23 young Kentuckians have graduated the inaugural class of the Kentucky State Police Youth Academy Program. This first-of-its-kind, week-long program allowed the next generation of law enforcement to interact with state police troopers and officers while learning leadership skills, physical fitness requirements and law enforcement principles.
“We have some of the best and brightest young people in Kentucky, and I am so proud of this group for stepping up and taking the first steps in pursuing a law enforcement career,” said Gov. Beshear. “This opportunity from the Kentucky State Police allows us to continue building trust in law enforcement while ensuring the safe future of our commonwealth.”
Throughout the weeklong program, participants engaged in a diverse array of activities and instruction, including exploration of core values and ethics fundamental to law enforcement, team building exercises to cultivate collaboration and camaraderie, hands-on demonstrations from the KSP Crime Lab to understand forensic techniques, and introduction to criminal investigations and crime scene analysis.
“The Kentucky State Police Youth Academy Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for young adults to explore the world of law enforcement,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. “We were honored to have provided a platform where those interested in serving the future of the commonwealth could gain invaluable insights and essential skills for a career in public service.”
According to the National COPS Office website, youth law enforcement academies are proven effective and play a significant role in recruiting new officers while providing training and understanding of critical topics.
“This program aimed not only to educate but also to inspire and empower the next generation of law enforcement professionals,” added Trooper Island Camp Commander Jonathan Biven. “As an agency, we are always looking for innovative ways to improve recruitment and retention. While new to KSP, this type of program is a proven, effective project that has shown great success with law enforcement agencies across the country.”
This inaugural Youth Academy Program was held July 22 – 26, 2024, at Trooper Island Camp located on Dale Hollow Lake. Trooper Island funded the pilot project.
For additional details on the Youth Academy Program, click here.
The KSP Youth Academy Class 1 graduates include:
Maddy Arnold, Nicholasville, KY
Brandon Atwell, Shepherdsville, KY
Mathis Bailey, Georgetown, KY
Edward Berry, Georgetown, KY
Steven Browing, London, KY
Scriptre Dixon, Hartford, KY
Jonathan Garrett, Dawson Springs, KY
Christopher Glenn, Benton, KY
Jagger Hamm, Richmond, KY
Robert Hawkins, Campbellsville, KY
Benjamin Horn, Owensboro, KY
Logan Issac, Louisa, KY
Caleb Knight, Corbin, KY
Brayden Marcum, Louisa, KY
Tyler Marcum, Corbin, KY
Katherine McMahan, Richmond, KY
Brayden Price, Bedford, KY
Kingston Reams, London, KY
Mason Smith, Owingsville, KY
Ellison Storm, Owensboro, KY
Cannon Thrasher, Albany, KY
Jacob Warinner, Albany, KY
Jase Warinner, Albany, KY
KSP is committed to maintaining and strengthening its workforce to enhance public safety, maintain critical services and better reflect the diverse communities it serves. Troopers serve on the front lines daily by responding to calls for service and interacting directly with their communities to ensure safety and security for all. Individuals who are ready to serve mankind, safeguard lives and property, assist their fellow brothers and sisters in law enforcement and reduce crime are encouraged to apply to join Team Kentucky.
Throughout his time in elected office, the Governor has taken steps to increase public safety.
Recently, the Commonwealth of Kentucky released the 2023 Crime in Kentucky report published by the Kentucky State Police (KSP). The annual statewide crime report indicates crime rates have remained stable with a decline in offenses for homicide, burglary, robbery, sex offenses, kidnapping and gambling. For the last three consecutive years, homicide rates have been declining.
In June, Gov. Beshear announced that the 2023 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report, showed that the commonwealth saw a nearly 10% decrease in drug overdose deaths last year. This is the second consecutive annual decrease.
The administration has also recorded the three lowest recidivism rates in over a decade. This year, Gov. Beshear announced a new website to support Kentuckians seeking second chances find a job, get an education or continue recovery. The site also connects business leaders with resources to help them hire second-chance talent.
In the last two years, the Beshear-Coleman administration has secured a historic more than $18,000 pay increase for KSP troopers and officers. Due to these increases and the tireless efforts from the KSP recruitment branch, more than 1,000 sworn personnel are now wearing the badge of honor, the highest number since 2017.
Gov. Beshear has also supported training for local law enforcement officers by raising the current training stipend to an all-time high, and the state supported the construction of a new training facility in Richmond.
Since taking office, Gov. Beshear has awarded nearly $10 million in grant funding to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in purchasing the tools and resources that will not only allow them to protect Kentucky communities but will also ensure their safety as they stand on the front lines every day.
Last year, Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 380 expanding the eligibility of potential peace officers to include individuals who are not yet 21 but will reach this statutory requirement by the time certification is completed to help law enforcement agencies expand their workforce.
Also, as the Governor recommended in January 2022, $12.2 million was included in the state budget for KSP to purchase body cameras, which is the first time in the commonwealth’s history that funding has been allocated for this much-needed expense.
(Captain Paul Blanton – Kentucky State Police)