Justice and Public Safety Cabinet
DOCJT GRADUATES 20 OFFICERS FROM SERGEANTS’ COURSE

RICHMOND, Ky. – “If you believe one person can make a difference, and if you do the right thing,” said Louisville Metro Chief Robert White, guest speaker for the Academy of Police Supervision Class 15 graduation, “no matter who’s above you or below you, you can get the job done.”

Officers from 17 law enforcement agencies across Kentucky were recognized today for completing the Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Academy of Police Supervision.

The APS, also referred to as the sergeant’s academy, is a three-week (120-hour) training program for newly promoted sergeants or officers who are on their agency’s promotion list.

Chief White stressed the importance of sergeants leading by example and striving to be respected, not necessarily well liked.

“What you do will impact the future of law enforcement in your community, your state and your country,” he said, “because your officers will emulate you and your actions.”

Class speaker, James Sherrard of the Audubon Park Police Department, reflected on the lessons learned and the camaraderie experienced during the three weeks in APS.

“As sergeants we are all natural leaders, and if we put our mind to something we cannot be stopped,” Sherrard said. “Whether in the classroom or on the challenge course, we all pulled together to succeed at our goal – no questions asked.”

While in the course, students participate in classes focusing on the role of a supervisor, as well as leadership, resolving conflict, managing diversity, monitoring officer performance, professional image, legal issues for supervisors, ethics, interpersonal communication, effective written communication, making decisions, solving problems, managing critical incidents, public speaking, emotional survival, budgeting, media relations and others.

The program includes reading and writing assignments and scenario-based exercises designed to enhance the students’ ability to perform at the supervisor’s level in their agencies. APS is hands-on, with as much skill demonstration as classroom work.

“As a large agency, we have the opportunity send our people all over the nation for training,” Chief White said. “But I have found no greater training for sergeants than right here in our state at the Department of Criminal Justice Training, and I plan to send all 200 plus of my sergeants here.”

The APS is a stepping stone to the Criminal Justice Executive Development program, which is a five-week advanced leadership course offered once a year for supervisors at Kentucky’s small- and medium-size law enforcement agencies.

The APS held its first class in June 2003. Since then, 15 classes have graduated from the program.

APS Class 15 graduates and their agencies are:

Richard Babiarz, Shelbyville Police Department

David Bruce, Mayfield Police Department

David Buis, Middlesboro Police Department

Floyd T. Combs, Newport Police Department

Josh Crain, Alcoholic Beverage Control

Charles Dauley, Logan County Sheriff’s Office

Brian J. Graham, Elizabethtown Police Department

Jerry Huckleberry, Louisville Metro Police Department

Michael James, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office

Malcolm Jessup, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement

Paul Kerr, Oldham County Police Department

Greg Koehler, Hopkinsville Police Department

Mike Leming, Erlanger Police Department

Eddie Myers, Middlesboro Police Department

Chris Neal, Maysville Police Department

Kenny Riley, Daviess County Sheriff’s Office

John A. Roth, Boone County Sheriff’s Office

Jim Sherrard, Audubon Park Police Department

Kirby Shobe, Louisville Metro Police Department

Edward E. Thomas, Louisville Metro Police Department

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