Western Ky. Law Enfocement Training Facility hosting first class

Gov. Andy Beshear was joined by state and local officials and law enforcement personnel to welcome the first basic training academy class to Western Kentucky. 

This facility is a testament to the Beshear administration's pledge to make Kentucky a national leader in public safety while ensuring those who protect the commonwealth have the tools and resources available to stay safe.

For many years, officers from every county in the commonwealth have traveled to Richmond to receive the state-mandated 20 weeks of basic training. 

For the first time since the training became mandatory in 1998, Kentucky is simultaneously offering training in two locations. 

The Department of Criminal Justice Training will train officers in a building provided by the Madisonville Police Department while Team Kentucky constructs a $50 million multipurpose training facility in Madisonville.

The first class of recruits includes 23 Kentuckians serving with 17 different law enforcement agencies.  They are scheduled to graduate in June.