Kentucky State University celebrates the graduates of the second annual Frankfort
Police Department Citizens Police Academy held on the KYSU campus during the CJE 320
Law Enforcement course taught by Adjunct Instructor Sergeant Eric Radford (Versailles
Police Department). The eight-week program offered criminal justice students an extended,
immersive look into the operations and specialized units of the Frankfort Police Department
and strengthened the university’s partnership with local law enforcement.
Over eight weeks, students attended classroom sessions, demonstrations, and practical
exercises across core areas of policing:
- Command Structure and Patrol Operations — organizational roles, patrol responsibilities, and incident command.
- Training and Mindset — use-of-force decision making, de-escalation, and ongoing professional development.
- Criminal Investigations — evidence handling, investigative workflows, and interagency coordination.
- Community Policing Advocates — building trust, neighborhood problem-solving, and outreach strategies.
- Special Victims Unit — victim-centered investigations and support resources for vulnerable populations.
- Tactical Response Unit — planning and execution of high-risk operations, officer safety, and coordinated response.
- K9 Unit — detection techniques, handler teamwork, and live demonstrations.
Students had the rare opportunity to participate in controlled bite demonstration
exercises with the FPD K9 team, an experience reported as both educational and impactful.
Certificates were presented by Assistant Chief Scott Tracy, who commended the students
for their professionalism, curiosity, and engagement throughout the eight-week academy.
Dr. Frederick A. Williams Jr., Chair, School of Criminal Justice and Government Relations
at Kentucky State University, said: "Our students gained invaluable, hands-on insight
into modern policing that complements and elevates classroom instruction. The extended
format allowed deeper engagement with each specialty area and prepared students to
enter the field with greater competence and a stronger commitment to community-centered
public safety."
The extended academy deepened student understanding of law enforcement practices and
fostered meaningful relationships between future practitioners and active officers.
Participants left with practical skills to highlight on résumés, professional contacts
within the Frankfort Police Department, and a certificate confirming successful completion
of the eight-week training.
Kentucky State University and the Frankfort Police Department plan to build on this
collaboration and explore expanded experiential learning opportunities for the coming
academic year.
Kentucky State University thanks the Frankfort Police Department, Chief Derrick Napier,
Assistant Chief Scott Tracy, and all FPD personnel who contributed time and expertise
to make the eight-week Citizens Police Academy a successful and memorable experience
for KSU students.
