Did You Know That?

KSP UNVEILS CHEVY CAPRICE CRUISER

2012-02-23T09:06:00.011-08:00

February 23, 2012

Have you ever wondered how a police agency chooses their police vehicle? The answers vary and obviously depend on the needs of the agency regarding the type of service delivery and geographical terrain that they routinely patrol in. Price, functionality, style, performance, and appearance are also some of the weighted factors taken into consideration.

While the Kentucky State Police utilize several different types of specialty vehicles, arguably none are more recognizable by the citizens of our state than the familiar gray marked cruiser with the blue bar light. Although we have driven the Ford Crown Victoria for many years, 2012 will reveal a somewhat different look. Last year, Ford announced that it would discontinue the Crown Victoria police package and replace it with the new Ford Police Interceptor.

After establishing a committee comprised of troopers, trainers, mechanics and researchers, each of the three police vehicle packages offered by Ford, Chevrolet, and Chrysler were studied over a several month period. Each vehicle was test driven in a variety of conditions on a controlled test track. Although each of the products tested had numerous attributes, it was determined that the Chevrolet Caprice police package would be the choice for purchase in the 2012 calendar year. It was also revealed early in the process that the Ford Interceptor would not go into production until late April, much too late to meet our needs for this year.

State statutes mandate that vehicles be put out on a bidding process with specifics regarding upgrades and features. Ultimately, an established dealer is awarded the contract for a specific type of car(s) for an agency within state government to purchase. After this process, the actual purchase takes place and delivery is received several weeks later. Ultimately, the arduous task of installing blue lights, sirens, switch boxes; protective screens, mobile data computer mounts and striping packages take place. These functions take place in our Frankfort central garage by some very talented technicians and mechanics. This can take as much as a day or two per vehicle and adds an additional cost of $12,920 to each car if none of the parts are recycled from surplus vehicles.

Although it’s hard to believe, the Kentucky State Police averages driving nearly two and a half million miles per month while patrolling the roadways of the Commonwealth. We continue to be as frugal as possible in purchasing patrol vehicles, while keeping in mind the importance of officer safety and the need for an emergency response to protect the public we serve.

The Call Was Answered...

2011-12-21T07:11:00.000-08:00

December 21, 2011

“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus…”

On October 7, 2011, I issued a call for assistance regarding a fundraising effort for Trooper Glen Franklin who was shot during an undercover bootleg buy in 1972. As you recall, Glen was just ten months into his career when he became confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Although we received donations from across the United States, the outpouring from our agency was overwhelming. Amidst bake sales, chili cook-offs, yard sales and gun raffles WE raised $46,206.34 for this hero. After negotiations with Superior Van of Lexington, which included a hefty dealer discount and a rebate from Honda, we were able to purchase a fully equipped 2011 Honda Odyssey for $39,303 with the trade-in of the Franklin’s current van. The remainder of the monies is for the Franklins to utilize as they see fit.

The fundraising efforts snowballed and took on a life of its’ own. Amidst the generous donations of cash, the Franklins also received four box seats to a Cincinnati Reds game, VIP treatment to a Cincinnati Bengals game, a Garmin GPS unit from the Braun Corporation, and lifetime oil changes and tire balancing service from Capitol Auto Park.

The event, attended by Governor Steve Beshear and Senator Julian Carroll, was perhaps one of the proudest moments during my career with the Kentucky State Police. After Trooper Franklin was presented the Guthrie Crowe Award, I explained the outpouring of support during our fundraising endeavors to the Franklins. Ultimately, the van was unveiled, including a personalized KSP plate on the front with his unit number. To say that they were surprised and overwhelmed is an understatement!

Perhaps the most gratifying moment for me was watching Trooper Franklin being interviewed by multiple news agencies. After forty years of being confined to a wheelchair, I felt that he was finally getting a modicum of the recognition that he deserved.

After the fanfare had subsided and most of the 160 plus spectators had left, Lieutenant Jude and I had a private moment with Glen and his wife Jan. In a tear filled moment, Glen told me how appreciative he was and asked me how he could ever repay all of the kindness that he and his family had been shown. I responded by telling him that the debt had already been paid in full on November 26, 1972. Amen.

Injured in the Line of Duty

2011-10-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

By all accounts, Glen Franklin was a prankster and somewhat mischievous kid in high school. His transcripts from Shelby County High School were average upon his graduation in 1967. But there was something special about this kid when he was finally interviewed with the Kentucky State Police in 1971. His lifelong dream of becoming a trooper was about to be realized.

Cadet Franklin’s records reveal that his mischievous streak was still present during training, earning him ten demerits and a weekend stay at the mid way point. However, his evaluator saw the potential and intelligence of this young recruit and recommended that he be allowed to continue the academy. It was certainly a proud day when Trooper Franklin and his classmates from cadet class 44 took the oath of office and were sworn in to the ranks of the Thin Gray Line on February 25, 1972.

Assigned to the Frankfort Post, Glen began the arduous task of learning the many facets of becoming an effective trooper during his first year of employment. His childhood dreams had been realized. He had made it. He was living the dream of being a Kentucky State Trooper.

Those dreams were shattered on November 26, 1972, when Glen was gunned down while attempting to make an undercover bootleg buy in Franklin County. Although he survived the incident, the prognosis was quick and sobering: Trooper Glen Franklin would never walk again. He would be confined to a wheelchair for the remainder of his life.

Administratively speaking, our agency was totally ill-prepared for such an incident. There were no statutory provisions regarding benefits for such a debilitating injury. It took several years and an Executive Order from the Governor before legislation was passed that allowed us to provide the care and coverage for such heroes.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting with Glen and his wife Janice. They had come to Headquarters to sort out some health insurance issues and I asked to see them. Although I had spoken to him on the phone a few years prior to this, I had never had the pleasure of meeting him personally. Lieutenant Colonel(s) Williams and Miniard joined me in conversation with the Franklins for the next hour. I was immediately struck by the warmth and genuineness of this couple. After nearly forty years in a wheelchair, it would be easy to understand if Glen had become bitter and resentful of the obstacles that life had thrown his way. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Glen was upbeat and still maintained his sense of humor from years past.

Despite his physical challenges, Glen and his wife still live and maintain a working farm in the edge of Franklin County. They recently completed the adoption process of their grandson who they had helped raise and who had encountered numerous problems of abuse while growing up. It was apparent that Glen had made the decision to live life to it’s fullest with the hand of cards he had been dealt.
Glen is still a trooper on injury-time status because of the tax and insurance benefits that wouldn’t be afforded to him if he actually retired. His love and dedication to our agency became apparent when he proudly produced his badge and original identification card. Although he’s physically confined to a mechanized wheelchair, Trooper Glen Franklin still has the heart of a trooper.

During our conversation, it was revealed to me that Glen is driving an older model van that has been equipped for his special needs. However, the van is starting to age and the mechanical lifts that assist him are beginning to fail. I learned that it will take a minimum of three thousand dollars to repair the existing equipment and that the Franklin’s do not receive assistance for these types of expenditures. I should add that this information was told to me in passing and certainly was not a plea for assistance of any kind. This is where I need your help.

As I discussed this amongst members of the Command Staff, we decided that it would be more than appropriate to put out an all call to current and retired members of our agency. Although it’s a lofty goal, I would like to raise enough monies to purchase the Franklin’s a new, fully equipped van for their daily travels. Would you be willing to donate just a few dollars for this man who has sacrificed so much for our agency and the citizens of the Commonwealth?

If so, please mail any donations to Ms. Lucille Marshall in my office no later than November 1, 2011. (Kentucky State Police HQ, 919 Versailles Road, Frankfort, KY 40601). Checks can be made payable to Glen Franklin.

We are quick to recognize our fallen troopers and place their photos and names in hallowed locations throughout our buildings. Unfortunately, we sometimes forget those who have lived with injury and excruciating pain as a result of their service. I hope that you will help coordinate the fundraising efforts for Trooper Franklin in your office, section, post and community. He is truly a forgotten hero that reminded me why we do what we do everyday.

-Rodney Brewer

Safeguard Your Home While on Vacation

2011-08-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

Some of our most vulnerable times regarding theft of personal property occur during the summer months. A number of the more widespread, historical scams involve the unscrupulous act of burglarizing homes while families are attending the funeral services of their loved ones. This information is often obtained from the obituaries in local newspapers and/or word of mouth in rural communities. Another tactic used by thieves is during the summer months when vacation times are at their peak. Burglars often peruse neighborhoods in search of homes that look abandoned or “out of place”. Tell-tale signs include uncollected newspapers and mail, porch lights that are left on around the clock, and stationary vehicles in the driveway. Although we have preached preventive measures for years, we still experience a number of break-ins and thefts because individuals did not take the time to safeguard their home and property with some simple, common sense measures.

As social technology has advanced, so have the opportunities for would be thieves. Posting information on your social media site can have devastating consequences while you are away in your travels. For instance, posting photos and daily commentary about your trip to the beach may sound like fun and make your friends green with envy, but the information is a billboard and invitation for would-be thieves to burglarize your home or outbuildings.

Here are some tips regarding ways to safeguard your home and belongings when travelling:
• Always carry travelers checks and a minimum amount of cash
• Leave one or more lights on a timer when away
• Hold all newspaper and mail deliveries until you return
• Make every effort to make your house appear lived in such as hiring your grass mowed and having your neighbor periodically move a vehicle to a different spot in the driveway
• Request that your local police department or the Kentucky State Police conduct periodic checks during the time frame of your absence.
• Provide a trusted neighbor with an emergency phone number in the event that you need to be contacted
• Do not post any reference to your vacation on a social media network until you return from your travels

Utilizing some common sense approaches prior to taking your vacation can go a long way toward safeguarding your home and protecting your valuables.

KSP Targets Cyberspace to Recruit New Troopers

2011-07-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

Kentucky State Police (KSP) is tapping into Cyberspace through social media sites like YouTube©, Facebook©, and Twitter© to entice new recruits to join the agency. Today, I am pleased to announce that the agency launched its first of several recruiting videos via YouTube.

Social Media has become a crucial part of how we interact with each other and it accelerates the dissemination of information to the public. This is the way our society is now, especially with our younger generation – they want immediate notification.

KSP is accepting applications for Troopers through October and we are tapping into multiple social media formats to get the word out.

We are excited to launch the KSP YouTube channel with the goal of tapping into the millions of visitors who view that site daily. Marketing our agency through venues like this is a great opportunity to not only increase social chatter but a very cost effective way of marketing when budgets are already stretched thin.

KSP currently has several social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and a Blog located on Blogger.com.

Social Media is not a fad. It will continue to evolve and it is important for agencies to recognize this in order to stay ahead of the curve. With millions of visitors a day, YouTube is a fantastic marketing tool for our Recruitment Branch. The addition of this page will enhance our current social media formats and drive traffic to our agency webpage.

The ‘KSP TV’ YouTube channel is located at http://www.youtube.com/user/kentuckystatepolice where viewers can watch the new recruiting video online.

Website-Monitoring.com posted recent YouTube statistics that show the potential for success when marketing through YouTube. This site currently exceeds two billion views a day and averages 24 hours of video uploads every minute. The average person spends 15 minutes a day on YouTube.

One of the unique things about social media sites is that it allows the public to see a different side of the agency and explore some of the unique projects KSP is involved in.

This first video takes an important process such as recruiting new troopers and blends in a little humor to make it more appealing. Other projects KSP has promoted on their social media sites have been Trooper Island Camp, Unsolved Case Playing Cards, Citizens Police Academy classes, Missing Persons cases, and a National Conference the agency hosted.

I encourage you to visit KSP social media sites and to share your thoughts and opinions about what the agency posts. One of the reasons we have had success with social media, is that we allow for an open forum. If someone disagrees with us or shares a critique of the agency, that is their opinion – and we respect that.

KSP currently has 33,809 followers on Facebook, 1,947 followers on Twitter, 2,900 views on Flickr and the Commissioners Blog has had 7,265 views.
If you are interested in checking out the KSP social media sites, you can click on the following links.

KSP Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kentucky-State-Police/103979825675
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/kystatepolice
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kentuckystatepolice/
KSP Blog “Did You Know That?” http://kentuckystatepolice.blogspot.com/
KSP Website: http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/

From Prison to Prestige

2011-05-25T05:56:00.000-07:00

In 1959, a $450,000 building project was unveiled regarding a new state of the art facility that would house the Kentucky State Police (KSP) training academy, crime laboratory, and the Frankfort barracks. Although primitive by today’s standards, it was the first time that a designated building would actually house, feed, and train Kentucky State Troopers. In 1982 we moved from those cramped quarters into our current structure, which was originally a Ramada Inn hotel. Although an improvement to the deteriorating quarters we had called an academy for nearly twenty years, it has always lacked the necessities for the state of the art training our troopers need and deserve.

When I was appointed KSP Commissioner one of my goals for this agency was to replace our academy with a state of the art facility capable of meeting the challenges we will face in the coming decades. That goal has been recognized and championed by Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and Justice Cabinet Secretary J. Michael Brown since the early days of this administration. Nonetheless, we all realized that a project of this scope and magnitude would be extremely difficult during these tough economic times.

However, sometimes opportunity presents itself during trying times. Through the support, vision, and leadership of Governor Beshear and Secretary Brown, I’m pleased to announce that the goal of a new Kentucky State Police Academy will soon become a reality. Earlier this month, Governor Beshear held a press conference to announce the closing of one of its thirteen prisons in the Commonwealth. The Frankfort Career Development Center (FCDC) is a 205-bed minimum security detention facility located in Frankfort, Ky. Plans to close this state owned facility stem from projections of a declining prison population and the obvious cost savings associated with the closure. During the press conference, the Governor also outlined plans to convert this incredible facility into a Kentucky State Police training campus.

To provide some historical background, I was approached by Secretary Brown a few months ago regarding this possibility after Kentucky Department of Corrections Commissioner LaDonna Thompson submitted a proposal to close the facility. Secretary Brown and I immediately realized the potential of this opportunity to transform this facility into a first class academy for our agency. Although I will be providing more information in future blogs, the following facts are provided to you regarding this site:

• The campus is located at one of the highest elevation points in Frankfort and encompasses approximately 362 acres.
• The dormitory complex is in excess of 22,000 square feet and can currently house 205 individuals
• The cafeteria can currently feed over 100 personnel at a time.
• An administration building encompasses nearly 10,000 square feet for staff office space.
• 3000 square foot weightlifting and aerobic building.
• A multi-purpose building totaling 4885 square feet that will be converted into a primary classroom.
• A laundry facility where all of our towels and bed linens can be cleaned on site. (We currently pay an outside vendor for this)
• In addition to other buildings, the complex currently has a running track, basketball court and softball field.
• KSP Headquarters will remain in its current location with expansion opportunities to improve efficiency of like services.

In addition to the obvious advantages for our agency, the closure will result in reducing costs for the Department of Corrections while moving low risk inmates into vacant jail space at the county level. This closure will not result in the loss of any jobs for correctional employees. This move is truly a win-win for all involved and the citizenry that we serve.

In 1995, the state’s prison population was around 5,700; by 2010 Kentucky was housing more than 20,700 prisoners – and no surprise, state spending for corrections went from $140 million in 1990 to $440 million by 2000.

To say that we are excited about this project is an understatement! I believe that this is the largest initiative that we have ever been involved in during my tenure with the Kentucky State Police. The possibilities are limitless and will change the way KSP does business for decades to come. I applaud the support of Governor Beshear and Secretary Brown on providing our agency this unique opportunity for growth and development.

RED LIGHTS: Put the Brakes On!

2011-02-28T07:42:00.001-08:00

Everyone is in a hurry these days and that is reflected in the erratic driving behavior we often see by drivers rushing to get somewhere. ‘Red Light Runners’ are on the rise and more alarming is the carnage that they are leaving behind in their haste.

Last year, 676 people were killed and an estimated 116,000 were injured in crashes involving drivers who ran red lights, stops signs and other traffic control devices. In Kentucky, there were 3,695 collisions resulting in 31 deaths from crashes caused by disregarding traffic signals.

Enforcement is the key to getting people to comply with the law, but communities don’t have the resources to allow law enforcement to patrol intersections as often as is needed to ticket all motorists who run red lights. Many cities have installed cameras at large intersections and studies show that these cameras have been effective in reducing the number of citations written for disregarding traffic signals in these areas.

If you are not familiar with the camera system, it consists of installing a recording device at an intersection to take a snapshot of a vehicle as it illegally goes through when the light is red. A 2011 Study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety compared large cities with red light cameras to those without, found that the devices reduced the fatal red light running crash rate by 24 percent.

Some drivers feel that use of the red light cameras is an infringement of their privacy when in all actuality, driving is a regulated activity on public roads. By obtaining a license, a motorist agrees to abide by certain laws, such as obeying traffic signals.

While this blog is not about whether or not to install red light cameras, the proven effective results of these devices cannot be ignored.
So what types of drivers usually run red lights? Traffic surveys indicate that as a group, they are under 30 and male and most have had prior crashes and citations for speeding and other moving violations. It is not easy to determine how often people run red lights but with the number of crashes involving running red lights increasing, the need for safety awareness is long overdue.

Often times, Red Light Runners who get caught think they’ve been wronged. They’re convinced that their citation is nothing more than a scheme to pick the pockets of motorists. The truth is simpler: Red Light Running Kills.

Jacy Good from Allentown, PA can attest to that. Jacy had just graduated from college and was in a car with her parents, headed back home to celebrate her accomplishments with family and friends. Nearly halfway home, a chain reaction set off by a Red Light Runner sent a tractor trailer into the side of their car. Jacy, who was in the front seat, was left with traumatic brain injury, partially collapsed lungs, a lacerated liver, 2 damaged carotid arteries, and a shattered pelvis. Weeks later, when she regained consciousness, she learned that her parents were not so lucky – as they succumbed to their injuries.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) indicates that many drivers actually speed up when going through a red light in an effort to ‘make the light’ which in turn causes more significant damages in crashes.

NHTSA also determined that distracted driving is another factor in running red lights. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating or distracted doing something else are not keeping their eyes on the road and therefore may run the light without ever being aware it was even red. Other times, when drivers are distracted, they are driving too fast for conditions and not able to have enough time to slow down or stop before entering an intersection.

Just a few facts to leave you with:

• The Red Light Runner accounts for 36% of the red light running crash deaths and another 12% are the occupants in the Red Light Runners vehicle.
• 46% percent of Red Light Running crash deaths are occupants of vehicles that did NOT run the red light.
• 10% of red light runners in fatal crashes were teenagers.
• 22% of Red Light Runners in fatal crashes were driving without licenses.
• 11% of people killed in red light crashes were motorcyclists.
This leads us to ask ourselves…Is it really worth it? Will the amount of time saved by running a red light justify taking the innocent life of another?

Red Light Runners: Please put the brakes on!

Article References:
2009 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Study.
NHTSA: Guidance for Using Red Light Cameras Report. http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/enforce/guidance03/Guidancereport.pdf
Status Report, Volume 46, No. 1, Feb, 1, 2011.

Easy Access To Crash Reports

2010-11-24T07:55:00.000-08:00

Did you know that we Kentuckians drive over 47 billion miles a year and average over 145,000 traffic crashes reported annually? In 2009, approximately one out of sixteen licensed drivers in Kentucky was involved in some type of automobile crash. Although some of these crashes have tragic consequences, thankfully about two thirds of these crashes only involve some type of property damage. As a result, thousands of police reports are generated and requested by involved motorists, insurance companies, and attorneys each year in our state to be used in civil and criminal suits that often follow.

In response to this demand for timely information, the Kentucky State Police developed a program entitled BuyCRASH.com to allow affected citizens to purchase their accident reports from a secure website. This online service was released near the end of 2008 and has already shown to be a tremendous convenience to the public. Although not all jurisdictions are participating in the program, currently over one hundred police agencies across the Commonwealth are involved selling over 43,000 reports online last year.

Although accessing the new BuyCRASH report is a bit more expensive, the $10.00 fee generates additional revenues that are used for administrative services and hardware maintenance to keep the system as robust as possible. While many agencies still offer the traditional ‘walk-in’ service that is $5.00, we are seeing that many customers prefer the online convenience of BuyCRASH that’s saves both time and gasoline.

The BuyCRASH reporting system is easy to use and access. After completing the traffic collision report, the investigating officer gives each affected motorist an instructional card that details the step by step process to purchase the report online. As previously noted, traffic reports may still be purchased from the agency that investigates your crash. The BuyCRASH is another exciting program that the Kentucky State Police is offering to the citizens that we serve.

KSP Participates in the World Equestrian Games

2010-10-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

After much planning and fanfare, the World Equestrian Games (WEG) came to a close on October 10, 2010. Our agency began planning for the sixteen day event nearly eighteen months ago with assistance provided by the Lexington-Metro Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation and many others. The WEG event involved over 125 of our personnel from various assignments. By every account, the detail was a huge success.

The preparation and attention to detail for WEG was unprecedented. I received numerous positive comments from attendees, dignitaries, and royalty regarding the professionalism of our agency. With visitors from fifty-one countries attending, it truly cast the Kentucky State Police in the international spotlight. Historically speaking, it was one of the largest details that we have ever coordinated.

Amidst all of the accolades and praise, there was one particular incident that became a defining moment in my mind. A photograph taken by Tim Webb for the Courier-Journal captured a Sergeant and a Trooper lifting a Para Olympian in her wheelchair onto the awards platform after an event to receive her medal. The photograph is both touching and compelling. It truly solidifies who and what our agency is all about. It clearly represents our core mission of helping people, in good times and bad. I’m sure that the German rider shown in the photo will bask in the glow of her accomplishments for years to come. I’m equally certain that two gray uniforms displaying grace and professionalism from another part of the world will be pleasantly intertwined in those memories. If a picture really is worth a thousand words, then this photograph must be worth a million.

Many thanks to everyone who helped make the WEG event a success, including those personnel who were ‘left behind’ to maintain operations and answer calls for service. I am truly proud to be part of such an incredible group of men and women that consistently deliver a high level of professionalism and customer service. Our people are what make us great!

KSP is Solving Crimes Through Scientific Technology

2010-08-31T09:27:00.000-07:00

Many of those who know the intricate design of Kentucky’s Automated Fingerprint Identification Section (AFIS) have deemed it one of our agency’s best kept secrets. The complexity of what AFIS does and how the operations of the Kentucky State Police depend heavily on it, is often overlooked, even by most law enforcement personnel across the state of Kentucky. Television shows have made the phenomenon of forensics popular but sometimes unrealistic across the nation. However, latent fingerprinting plays a vital role in crime solving and has made tremendous advancements over the past few decades. Previously, the only way to store and classify criminal fingerprint cards was using the Henry System. However, due to continued technological improvements we are now able to store all fingerprint data, along with arrest descriptors, in digital form. This allows for millions of records to be stored in a small space and quickly retrieved. Since most prints are submitted electronically, via the LiveScan we are able to submit criminal arrests straight into the criminal history database. The AFIS system allows fingerprint analysts to perform thousands of comparisons in seconds to a databank of known prints. Fifty years ago an analyst could spend up to an hour making just one ten print comparison.

This section is responsible for supporting the State’s Criminal History Repository, maintaining the state’s criminal print database, and the development and identification of latent prints. Each process complements the other making them intermeshed and codependent. As a section, AFIS is broken down into three major groups: Tenprint Operations, Latent Operations, and AFIS System Administration. Tenprint Operations have the responsibility of overseeing entry and/or verification of the fingerprint records into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System. After a criminal booking is complete, prints submitted from the jail pass through a verification process that may require a tenprint operator to do a manual verification on the prints. This ensures that a new arrest is added to a criminals previous arrest record, or if necessary a new arrest record is created. The rolled fingerprint cards received via mail are always entered and verified by these operators. They also play a major role in the background check of thousands of individuals every year. Positions in the state of Kentucky that require a state or federal background check, via a set of fingerprints, will always require the tenprint operator’s assistance. Many criminals believe giving false information will allow them to deceive AFIS, but no matter the name, date of birth, or other demographic information the criminal gives at the time of arrest, AFIS will make a positive identification through fingerprint verification if a previous record exists. Many arrest records will have several aliases or different dates of birth, but the same prints. This is why AFIS is vital to background checks.

Occasionally a situation arises when an individual who has been previously arrested for sex offenses in Kentucky has seemingly “slipped” through the system into a position that poses a threat to the children they interact with. Those situations have spawned many to ask the question, “How does a previous sex offender get a job as a school teacher or as a bus driver?” The answers to questions like this lie within the scope of fingerprinting. To give a simple answer to the question, the individual was never fingerprinted on the previous sex offense. Without a set of fingerprints supporting an arrest, the arrest will never go into the fingerprint database. In short, if no prints are entered into the system, no confirmation will occur when entering the subject into the system. This link inspired recent legislation in Kentucky that mandated every jail across the state to fingerprint criminals before their release. Every jail in the state has been provided the equipment needed to ensure that criminal fingerprints are properly submitted (i.e., LiveScan or ink and cards).

The latent section, which is often recognized for its ability to link a criminal to a crime through the development of latent prints, houses some of the most experienced latent examiners in the state. The average amount of years of experience in fingerprint examination and identification among the current five latent examiners is nearly 20 years. In a specialty profession like this, experience is vital to courtroom testimony and latent print comparison. These examiners process cases not only for the Kentucky State Police, but also for hundreds of other agencies across the state.

Fingerprints are the most commonly used forensic evidence for criminal casework worldwide. For this reason, each latent examiner will normally process hundreds of cases a year. The techniques they use vary from super glue and black powder processing to chemical and alternate light source processing. The Kentucky State Police uses the Latent Analyst to train cadets and other officers to develop latent prints in the field and can be called upon at any time for questions regarding latent processing. The role of a latent examiner does not only exist within the laboratory and classroom, but also in the field. Though many officers are trained in the science of latent print recovery, analysts who do it several times a day bring experience and refined technique to the case. As a result, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Latent Fingerprint Analysts are often called on by our agency or others in the event of a major crime scene or cases involving an unknown deceased.

In 2009, the KSP Latent Fingerprint Database contained 28,215 files and subsequently, there were 374 suspect identifications, 175 AFIS hits and 379 reverse search hits. A reverse search hit is one in which a previously unidentified latent fingerprint which were stored in an unsolved case database has been identified because the suspect has been arrested for another unrelated crime and their known fingerprints have been automatically compared with all the unsolved case fingerprints. So far in 2010, the AFIS Branch has reduced the backlog from 800 cases to now currently 130. The oldest cases they are currently working are approximately two weeks old.

At the root of Tenprint and Latent operations is System Administration, the most vital part of AFIS. The AFIS System is comprised of a very intricate computer system that runs over 120 LiveScans across the state, as well as eleven ID Stations, eleven Review Stations, and a Multi-Print Station. Consultants are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week run this entire state system. It wasn’t until the last few decades that the science of fingerprints was able to benefit from the luxury of computers. The job of the System Analysts is to make sure all computer systems continue to run properly and are kept error free, as well as work with other computer systems analysts within the Records Branch to make sure all criminal arrest data flows easily. System Administration has been referred to as the “heart” of AFIS, and rightly so because without it Tenprint and Latent Operations would not be able to process, maintain, and utilize the millions of prints in the State of Kentucky’s Fingerprint Database.

KSP Honor Guard

2010-06-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the Kentucky State Police has a nationally acclaimed Honor Guard Unit?

During my travels throughout the United States and the World, I have long believed that the Kentucky State Police Honor Guard is among the best I’ve ever seen. That belief was solidified on May 14, 2010, when they placed first in the Fraternal Order of Police National Honor Guard competition in Washington, D.C.

Even more incredible is the fact that the KSP Honor Guard achieved this accomplishment as first time competitors; a first in this event. Judged by the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment known as the ‘Old Guard’, the teams were graded in three categories: inspection, posting of colors, and exhibition. Amazingly, the KSP team was number one in each category which turned out to be another first in the competitions’ records books.

Taking home the gold medal was made possible by a lot of people. Aside from the timeless efforts and commitment by our Honor Guard, many others contributed to their success. Numerous Post and Section personnel unselfishly filled the gaps in schedules and took on extra job duties. Vehicles and equipment were made ready by support and administrative personnel. Relatives of the team gave up valuable family time during the weeks of tedious drill and practice that have transpired over the past several months. Several private businesses donated a state of the art trailer with graphics and a casket for flag folding exercises. Winning first place truly was a team effort.

To learn more about the competition and see photographs of the event, visit our agency intranet site and click on the ‘Honor Guard’ icon. This achievement by your Honor Guard is truly an accomplishment that every member of our agency can be proud of. Although I am not in the habit of resting on our laurels, it certainly is nice to bask in the knowledge that our Honor Guard is the best in the nation. I suppose I knew it all along. Kudos to the best police honor guard in the United States!

Trooper Island Camp

2010-06-02T12:36:00.000-07:00

Were you aware that the Kentucky State Police operates a camp for underprivileged children called Trooper Island? Located on Dale Hollow Lake, it was established in 1965 to provide a recreational site for kids throughout the state who could not afford to attend a summer camp. More importantly is the interaction that occurs between troopers and kids during this camping experience, leaving many with a newfound respect for law enforcement. Ten to twelve year olds are selected each year by troopers in all 120 counties to attend.

Trooper Island goes beyond the traditional camping experiences of boating, swimming, fishing, movies and campfires. Citizenship, patriotism, values and personal hygiene are also incorporated into the curriculum. Although early record keeping was lacking, it is estimated that over 25,000 kids have participated in the Trooper Island experience to date.

The camp continues to grow and expand on its’ mission. The camp has been involved in special weeks for the hearing/visually impaired, children awaiting an organ transplant, children with PKU (an eating disorder) and Hispanic youngsters. A scholarship program was recently established to offer financial assistance to future college hopefuls to help further their education.

The camp is free to campers and operates without the aid of tax dollars. Although many fundraisers are held throughout the year to defray operating coasts, our biggest one is currently underway. This year we are selling $10.00 chances on a beautiful 2010 Chevrolet Camaro from Herb Kinman Chevrolet in Carrollton. Tickets can be purchased at any state police post or from our Media Relations Branch at 502.695.6344. You can learn more about this fundraiser and Trooper Island by going to our website at kentuckystatepolice.org. Trooper Island is a 501c3 organization and all donations are tax deductible.

Trooper Island is arguably one of the best programs that our agency has ever created and I am very proud to be a part of it. It is a weeklong experience that truly lasts a lifetime.