KLETC has been carefully monitoring coronavirus developments both locally and nationally over the past few weeks. During that time we have taken precautions to ensure the health and wellness of our students, employees, and the communities we serve.
It is in those same interests that we announce that KLETC will be suspending classes for basic training and continuing education for the next three weeks (March 16, 2020 to April 6, 2020). This will allow us the time to gather the information needed to inform our next course of action. This decision was not made lightly, and was done in consultation with KLETC and KU leadership, as well as members of the law enforcement community.
KLETC training reaches law enforcement agencies throughout the state. We had to balance the critical function of law enforcement training against the risk of becoming a catalyst for the spread of the virus. Our concern not only lies with transmitting the disease to the communities, but to the law enforcement agencies that serve those communities. Suspending classes is the best preventative measure we can take.
We understand the stress this situation causes. This is why KLETC staff will continue to work during the suspension of classes to evaluate the situation and to do what is possible to reduce this new burden for the agencies.
We are following federal recommendations regarding preventative measures during this outbreak. As a result, we will also be suspending large gatherings involving KLETC graduations. We are currently working on a virtual solution for those who still want to watch the graduation ceremony.
As the Director of Police Training, I consider this as an announcement that the training center is “closed or otherwise will not conduct basic training courses” as used in KAR 106-3-2. Students, therefore, may work as an officer during this three week period.
We will continue to monitor the situation; and we are hopeful that the risks and mitigation strategies will continue to become clearer during this next three weeks.