Jail leader pushing to give incoming LMDC officers the same training as police officers
Jail leaders are pushing for more robust training for Louisville Metro Department of Corrections officers.
FOP president Daniel Johnson says corrections officers already have duties that go far beyond the walls of LMDC.
"Within our unique situation in Louisville, unlike most corrections facilities, our officers do have arrest powers, we work off duty, we work on joint task forces," Johnson said. "What we would like to see is all if not a good portion of the current academy classes that are already accredited with LMPD to be added to the LMDC curriculum and what that would do is that would put approximately 300 more trained police officers out in the community.
"Even if we're not out on the street making runs - they are out and about in the community. We work here, we live here. I can't count the number of times we've intervened in different incidents and our officers have been awards. Running towards gunfire and those types of things. Give us the additional training we need.
"Chief Collins is in support of our proposal to reach out to KLEC. The Kentucky Law Enforcement Commission. They would set a curriculum for us that these are your minimum classes that you have to have in order to be a certified KLEC corrections officer."
Metro council president David James threw his support behind the idea Wednesday.
"It also backup for LMPD if anything comes up if they need extra people," James said.
"It can also serve as a pathway into LMPD. For Mayor Fischer, for both mayoral candidates, I think public safety is the number one responsibility of government."
A statement from the mayor's office said:
"Mayor Fischer and his administration want the best, most effective, and relevant training that incorporates best practices and meets or exceeds state- and nationally-recognized standards for all of our public safety professionals. Here in Kentucky, the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC) prescribes standards for law enforcement training academies, instructors, curriculum, qualifications, and programs for police agencies, like LMPD. Our goal is to work toward a similar accreditation process for corrections officers. This process is lengthy and arduous, requiring a substantial investment of resources and money, but one worthy of pursuing."