Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch presented a Unit Commendation to the department’s Training Unit.  The Training Unit is responsible for the continual training of department personnel.  

Police training has become a topic of discussion due to a series of officer involved incidents on a national level.  KPD considers training an integral part in the continued success and excellence of the department.  The State of Tennessee Police Officers Standards and Training Commission (POST) dictates forty hours of continued training and education for all Tennessee law enforcement officers.  KPD considers the required forty hours as a minimum.  The Training Unit strives to provide continuous training opportunities, both internally and externally, which allows our officers to be some of the best in the country.

The unit was tasked with the development and implementation of a special 8 hour block of training related to active shooter incidents.  In response, the Training Unit developed a course which reflected current and real world issues, took advantage of the department’s high caliber training staff, and leveraged the excellent training facilities of the agency.  Working tirelessly over a three week period, the training staff delivered the instruction to over 350 sworn personnel.  Additionally, the officers participating in the training found it timely, well developed, and a benefit to their everyday activities.  

Chief Rausch said, “The ability of the training staff to develop the training course and deliver it to the entire department over a three week time period is a true testament to the dedication and professionalism of the unit.  Congratulations on a job well done.”