At the Lexington Police Department, we are trained for this city. Our training academy is the longest in the state, which allows our officers to get the training they need to effectively interact with the public and build relationships within the Lexington community.
For more information, contact a Lexington Police Recruiter:
E-mail: joinlexpd@lexingtonpolice.ky.gov
Call: (859) 425-2325
The academy is located at 500 Newtown Pike in Lexington. Classes are Monday-Friday; hours may vary based upon training needs. A typical day begins at 7:45 a.m. with inspection, followed by class beginning at 8 a.m. Classes are in session until 5 p.m. Recruits will have studies to complete at home, uniforms to prepare and physical conditioning to do.
Academy overview
The Basic Training Academy is around 32 weeks and includes two phases:
Orientation
This phase lasts two weeks. In the orientation phase, recruit officers will receive equipment and become oriented to the academy's rules, policies and procedures. Recruit officers will also complete mandatory training required of new City government employees including orientation to the police department and signing up for various benefits.
Certified
The certified phase lasts 30 weeks and is monitored by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council. Recruits are challenged both physically and academically. Class Topics include law, defensive tactics, physical training, patrol operations, patrol skills, investigations, firearms, and advanced skills. Recruits must earn a minimum passing score of 75 percent or higher on all exams. At the end of the certified phase, the recruit officer will be sworn-in as a police officer and begin the Field Training Program.
Field Training Program
The Field Training Program includes two training phases:
Field Training Phase
This phase of training lasts 15 weeks. The probationary officer will ride with a patrol officer that is a certified Field Training Officer, allowing them to apply the academy training in a practical situation under the close guidance of an experienced police officer. The probationary officer will be required to demonstrate the job knowledge and skills necessary to be a police officer. The probationary officer will be assigned to each of the three different sectors in the Bureau of Patrol and will work with three separate FTO's for a period of five weeks each.
Solo Phase
This phase continues until the end of the probationary officer's probationary period, which begins on the date they are sworn-in. In this phase, the probationary officer will be assigned to solo patrol duties. This phase is conducted under the close supervision of a squad sergeant and will determine if the probationary officer has the ability to be a permanent police officer with the Lexington Police Department.
Uniforms and Equipment
All uniforms and equipment are purchased new and supplied for each recruit. The recruit will be given a monthly uniform allowance to maintain and replace the equipment. The equipment expenditures for a new recruit are the purchase of physical training clothing to be used during the academy.
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