In this special episode of The Bluegrass Beat, host Critley King-Smith explores Project Heart Restart, an initiative working to place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in every police cruiser across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Hear how this mission is already saving lives, and why AED access in cruisers can change outcomes for families and communities across the state.

Raising salaries and increasing in-service options are discussed as Commissioner Mike Bosse returns to the Bluegrass Beat and Director of Training Operations David Hay makes his first appearance.

In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, meet new State School Security Marshal Shannon West and hear about his background, his hopes for the office, his team, and his mission of keeping kids safe.

In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, Office of Drug Control Policy Executive Director Van Ingram discusses the ways that the commonwealth is working to successfully reduce overdose deaths in Kentucky, options law enforcement agencies have to help, and community resources.

In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, Georgetown’s Lt. Mitch Lair talks about the use of social workers and victim advocates with law enforcement agencies, the benefits, pitfalls and ways to bring this valuable service to your own agency.

In this episode, Kentucky Law Enforcement Council Executive Director Rob Ratliff explains the organization he represents, its mission to maintain integrity and standardization in law enforcement training, and its role as a resource to agencies across the state.

Join host Critley King-Smith in a conversation with Department of Criminal Justice Training Deputy Commissioner Brian Bowling and Telecommunications Section Supervisor Lee Ann Boyle to discuss the introduction of the Telecommunications Overview Training Standards, updates to the Public Safety Dispatch Academy curriculum and honoring the heroes behind the headset as we move toward National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, Commissioner Mike Bosse returns to the podcast to discuss exciting changes at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training, including reduced wait times for training, improved communication, and expansion. Commissioner Bosse also talks about the importance of building relationships with the Commonwealth's chiefs, sheriffs, and telecommunications directors is to DOCJT’s mission.

In this kickoff episode of the new year, the Bluegrass Beat dives into one of the most significant changes within the Commonwealth: the recent legalization of medical cannabis. Joining us are Sam Flynn, Executive Director of the Office of Medical Cannabis, David Gregory, Director of Law Enforcement Outreach, and Ingrid Geiser, Legal Training Instructor at the Department of Criminal Justice Training. Together, they explore the key aspects of the new law, resources available to peace officers, and the critical information every officer needs as this legislation takes effect. Whether you're in law enforcement or simply want to stay informed, this episode is packed with essential insights. Tune in now to stay ahead of the curve!

In this episode of Bluegrass Beat, we sit down with Angela Childers, a dedicated and award-winning Mental Health Professional at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training. Angela shares her passion for helping peace officers and dispatchers recover from post-critical incident injuries, discusses the unique challenges they face and the vital role of mental health support in their recovery.

As a 13-year-old, Alex Otte was the victim of an intoxicated boater. Now, she is a victorious voice for safety, DUI enforcement and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Regional Executive Director for Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Hear her speak with Bluegrass Beat Host Critley King-Smith about her story, what peace officers can do to help keep impaired drivers and boaters off roads and waterways, and how MADD is partnering and communicating with law enforcement.

In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat podcast, Department of Criminal Justice Training Instructor Jim Root and University of Louisville Associate Professor Bradley Campbell discuss their work creating a victim-centered interview course, the techniques used, evidence-based research and how Kentucky is leading the way and going beyond just the facts to solving crimes.

Retired State School Security Marshal Ben Wilcox talks about the 2024 school safety report, being an SRO, a career of firsts, and being responsible for Kentucky’s kids. He also gives advice for future successors and a final message to law enforcement, teachers, and families as he prepares to start his retirement.

In this episode, Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Keith Jackson discusses the steps taken by the Beshear-Coleman administration to create a safer Kentucky, protect law enforcement, strengthen communication with public safety leaders and enhance law enforcement training.

In this episode, Dawson Springs Police Chief Mike Opalek discusses policing in a tight-knit community, recovering from natural disasters, the impact of DOCJT drone training, drone technology in policing, and how the greater law enforcement family came to help his town during their time of need.

In this powerful and enlightening episode, Department of Criminal Justice Training Resiliency Instructor Gabe Gillingham and his wife, Melissa Gillingham, discuss post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) among first responders and its ripple effects on their families and marriages. Tune in to hear the Gillinghams share their own personal journey through PTSI, restoration, helping others heal, and their continued work through the Kentucky Post-Critical Incidence Seminar (KYPCIS).

In this episode of Bluegrass Beat, Flemingsburg Police Chief and Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation (KLEMF) Board Chair Brian Bowling speaks with host Critley King-Smith about the foundation, its history, this year’s upcoming memorial ceremony, resources provided for families of the fallen and much more.

In this conclusion of the Bluegrass Beat case study: Seeking Savannah, Richmond Police Sgt. Kelli Fraze discusses her agency’s experience as the high-profile missing person’s case turned toward seeking justice for a murdered young Kentucky mother—Savannah Spurlock. Fraze, who was one of the case’s lead investigators, speaks about steps taken, lessons learned, gaining information from technology and more. Richmond Police Chief Rodney Richardson also talks about the hard work and dedication from his department that led to the case’s resolution, and Savannah’s aunt, Lisa Thoma, talks about the family’s interaction with RPD and what Savannah was like while she was living.

It’s January 2019, a young mother of four has gone missing after a night out with friends. Her family is looking for answers and a community is concerned as everyone is seeking to find Savannah Spurlock and bring her home. In this special episode of Bluegrass Beat, Richmond Police Sgt. Kelli Fraze reflects on the early days of the case that threw Kentucky into the spotlight and spanned three counties. Fraze, who was one of the case’s lead investigators, also talks about the first steps taken, lessons learned, gaining information from technology and more. Richmond Chief Rodney Richardson also speaks about the importance media relations had on the case’s outcome.

In the first episode of 2024, Department of Criminal Justice Training Instructor Gabe Gillingham talks about the Kentucky Post-Critical Incident Seminar, tools for coping with trauma and day-to-day stress, first-responder self-care, resiliency training and more.