Kentucky Administrative Regulations Title 503 - JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY CABINET - DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE TRAINING

Kentucky Administrative Regulations – Title 503: JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY CABINET – DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE TRAINING

Overview:

Title 503 of the Kentucky Administrative Regulations (KAR) governs the Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) under the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. These regulations outline the training standards, certification requirements, curricula, and conduct expectations for law enforcement officers and related personnel across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Key Responsibilities of the Department of Criminal Justice Training:

Provide basic training for new peace officers.

Conduct in-service, specialized, and leadership training for experienced officers.

Certify police academies and monitor compliance with training regulations.

Administer the Peace Officer Professional Standards (POPS).

Major Areas Covered in 503 KAR:

1. Officer Certification & Qualifications

503 KAR 1:040 – Minimum qualifications for appointment to a law enforcement position.

Standards regarding age, citizenship, education, background checks, and medical/psychological fitness.

2. Basic Training Requirements

503 KAR 1:060 – Requirements for basic training curriculum (often 20+ weeks).

Emphasizes constitutional law, firearms, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, and ethics.

3. In-Service Training

503 KAR 1:090 – Mandatory annual in-service training hours (e.g., 40 hours per year).

Includes specialized instruction on topics like de-escalation, mental health crisis response, etc.

4. Certification & Decertification Procedures

503 KAR 1:070 – Procedures for obtaining and revoking certification.

Addresses causes for decertification (misconduct, criminal offenses, etc.).

5. Training Facilities and Instructors

503 KAR 1:100 – Standards for certified academies and instructors.

Requirements for curriculum approval, instructor credentials, and recordkeeping.

6. Physical Fitness Standards

503 KAR 1:120 – Peace Officer Professional Standards (POPS) physical fitness benchmarks.

Applicants must pass tests in push-ups, sit-ups, 1.5-mile run, and agility.

Legal Authority:

Based on KRS Chapter 15 and 15A, particularly KRS 15.330–15.360 and 15A.070.

DOCJT operates under direction from the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC).

DOCJT Training Facilities:

Headquarters and academy located on the EKU (Eastern Kentucky University) campus in Richmond, KY.

 

LEAVE A COMMENT

0 comments