Kentucky State Police recently broke ground on a new driver’s skills pad at the agency’s training academy in Frankfort. Officials said this $2.7 million investment will provide troopers, officers, and cadets with a safe environment to practice and refine advanced driving techniques.
Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman said the agency is collaborating by opening the facility to law enforcement from across Kentucky, saving them hours of travel.
“For years, the agency has relied on borrowed facilities from Kentucky and in neighboring states to complete this essential training. The new skills pad will allow troopers to train year-round at their academy,” said Coleman.
Coleman also said the opening of this facility became a top priority to honor both those who have passed and those who continue to work to keep the Commonwealth safe.
“We ask a lot of our law enforcement officials and while we are never truly able to repay them for the work that they do to protect us, one way that we can show our appreciation is by giving them the resources they need to be successful and safe in their work. The Kentucky State Police lost 37 heroes in the line of duty with nearly half of those from vehicle related crashes,” said Coleman.
Refining skills regarding high-speed pursuits, evasive maneuvers, and pursuit intervention tactics are just a few of the services that will be available at this location. The new driver’s skill pad is expected to be completed by June 2026.