Bowling Green Law Enforcement academy unveiled

BOWLING GREEN Ky.-A long time goal of the Bowling Green Police Department was realized Monday as local law enforcement joined by city and county officials unveiled the new Bowling Green Law Enforcement Academy.

Bowling Green Police Department Deputy Chief Penny Bowles said she was thrilled to see everyone come out to witness this moment.

“It’s remarkable. The support that we have had throughout this whole process, and then the community support, we have had people that drove two and three hours to be here to celebrate,” Bowles said.

Before the opening of the academy, recruits were sent to Richmond, Ky. to participate in the Department of Criminal Justice Training Academy.

The recruits can now train in Bowling Green to become officers, something Chief Doug Hawkins is thankful for.

“It’s one of those pinch me moments. We’ve been working at this for a long time. The reality is very surreal because it’s something we’ve wanted and hoped for for a long time,” Hawkins said.

The big change is that recruits will be trained up in Bowling Green, keeping them at home while they learn to protect their home.

“For us to be able to have the recruits here, it’s better for them and their families. It also allows our instructors to teach our recruits the Bowling Green way,” Bowles said.

As they train in the Bowling Green way, the city will be able to get new officers out serving the community even faster.

“We can get the recruits through the training academy faster. They’ll be able to respond to calls and be on the street more quickly than they were when traveling to Richmond,” Bowles said.

Twelve recruits have started at the academy. They will graduate Nov. 6.