A Look Inside the LKPD Basic Recruit Academy

A Look Inside the LKPD Basic Recruit Academy

Chief Rich Lockhart has a clear vision for the Lawrence Kansas Police Department (LKPD): “We want to police Lawrence the way Lawrence wants to be policed.”

He also says the most efficient and effective way to achieve that goal is to train incoming officers, right here in town.

“The LKPD Basic Recruit Academy is more than just a place to learn policing—it’s a strategic investment in the department’s future and in all who call Lawrence home,” says Lockhart.

2024 47th Basic Recruit Academy Graduating Class along with members of the Training Academy, Command Staff, and Chief Rich Lockhart

LKPD’s training center, just off Wakarusa and Bob Billings, is where that’s done. The building is equipped with classrooms, areas for physical training, and specially designed rooms where instructors can create life-like training scenarios.

Corporal Ian McCann, a member of the training unit, emphasizes the advantages of local training.

“It allows us to hold recruits to a high standard, integrate them into the culture and expectations of the Lawrence community, and provide specialized, individualized training in the city they will serve.”

This community-focused training wasn’t an option until the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) approved LKPD’s in-house training program, and its first students graduated in 1978. (see picture)

Policing in the late 1970’s

Former LKPD Police Chief Ron Olin says the law enforcement profession was going through a lot of change at that time and the department took advantage of a federal grant program aimed at upgrading law enforcement capabilities and training beyond report taking.

Olin says specialized training helped officers on patrol become a member of the community searching for resolutions. “This required LKPD officers to be trained to conduct follow up investigations; understand and make referrals to outside agencies such as mental health experts; facilitate interventions by other city, county or state enforcement departments; or take other initiatives to solve citizens’ problems,” says Olin. He says that’s when LKPD set out to become a center of advanced training for law enforcement in Kansas.

LKPD’s first local academy along with other recent graduates and leaders in 1978. (Back, L to R)
Don Gardner, Catherine “Mattie” Born, James Winn, Darrel Stephens, Dave Davis, Chief Richard
Stanwix, George Wheeler, Greg Hudson, Steve Frink, Richard Nickell. (Front, L to R) Mack Pryor,
David Cook, Peggy Cobb, Ed Brunt.

LKPD Exceeds Minimum Training Requirements

Today, LKPD’s Basic Recruit Academy exceeds KLETC’s minimum training standards, running 19 weeks and totaling approximately 740 hours—beyond the state-required 560 hours.

LKPD Academy Curriculum Hours

Fair and Impartial Police Training is a mandatory part of the program, along with weekly testing mandated by KLETC. Lawrence trainers also incorporate daily quizzes to reinforce key concepts.

Corporal McCann says, “These quizzes help ensure recruits retain critical information and build upon foundational knowledge over time.”

That foundation translates into officers who integrate into the department and community more quickly than other graduates, who must still learn local policies and procedures upon returning.

“Officers trained in Lawrence already know Lawrence. They’re able to hit the ground running sooner than state academy trainees who have to learn internal policies, expectations and culture when they return – in addition to learning policing in a fast-paced city,” says McCann.

When those new officers graduate, training continues through the department’s Field Training Officer Program. Each is paired with a trained officer for a minimum of 16 weeks allowing a gradual transition into their new career to help create a safe and secure city.

By training officers locally, LKPD upholds higher standards, fosters stronger community ties, and ensures recruits are ready to police Lawrence the way Lawrence wants to be policed.

“Local training is a lot of work on the front end, but worth it,” says McCann. “It’s about building a well-prepared, community-oriented police force that reflects Lawrence’s values.”

Swearing in of the 48th Basic Recruit Academy on April 14, 2025. The Academy is underway now.

Benefits of the Lawrence Kansas Police Department’s Basic Recruit Academy

• Stronger Community Integration
  Recruits develop deeper ties to Lawrence, making them more invested in the city they serve.
• Higher Retention & Recruitment
  Officers trained locally start with an understanding of the city’s policies, culture, and expectations.
• More Efficient Readiness
  Unlike state academy graduates, LKPD-trained officers are already familiar with department procedures and the city of Lawrence.
• Continued Professional Development
  The academy supports ongoing training for all officers, ensuring they stay current on law enforcement standards throughout their careers.