Bluegrass Beat

Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training · docjt.ky.gov

The Bluegrass Beat is a monthly podcast delivering the latest topics and critical news affecting law enforcement officers and telecommunicators. Join us as we discuss training, technology, life, leadership and more. Whether you are on the beat or behind a headset, a new recruit or a veteran of your agency, let us bring you the brightest voices in public safety today. The Bluegrass Beat is recorded and produced by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Public Information Office a proud member of Team Kentucky. Like what you hear? Have a suggestion? Email host Critley King-Smith at critley.kingsmith@ky.gov to share feedback. Music by Digital Music and StackTraxx

38 episodes

26d ago latest

monthly cadence

English language

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Episodes 38

211: A Community Resource Every Officer Should Know
26d ago · 22:35
When people think of emergency response, they often think of the number 911. But there is another important resource that can help connect Kentuckians with the support they need: 211.
Beyond the Breathalyzer: Kentucky’s Roadside Oral Fluid Testing Program
2mo ago · 42:32
This month on the Bluegrass Beat, we look at Kentucky’s Roadside Oral Fluid Testing Program with Office of Highway Safety Federal Program Specialist Matt McCoy and Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Jenny True Reed. Listen as we discuss what the program is, how the rollout took place, how testing works, the legal side, and how to get involved.
Here at Home
2mo ago · 25:40
In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat podcast, Kentucky Office of Homeland Security Executive Director Amy Hess joins us to discuss her agency’s role in keeping the Commonwealth safe and how it partners with local agencies to enhance public safety.
A Mother’s Love, A Deputy’s Legacy
3mo ago · 34:05
In this episode of Bluegrass Beat, host Critley King-Smith speaks with Pam Phipps, mother of Russell County Deputy Joshua Phipps, who was killed in the line of duty in 2024. They reflect on Joshua’s life beyond the badge, who he was as a son, what led him to serve, and the legacy he leaves behind. Pam shares what it means to see her son honored on the National and Kentucky Law Enforcement memorials and speaks to the importance of remembering the men and women behind the names etched there. This conversation also explores the difficult reality families face after loss, when public attention fad
Stopping Scams: Protecting Kentuckians Through Law Enforcement Partnerships
5mo ago · 23:28
Scams are evolving, and they’re costing Kentuckians millions. In this episode, we hear from Department of Financial Institutions Information Officer Tasha Stewart and take a closer look at the Stop Scams Initiative led by the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet and its new partnership with the Kentucky State Police to better equip law enforcement agencies across the commonwealth.
Tactical Medicine in Modern Policing
6mo ago · 37:46
When a critical incident unfolds, law enforcement officers are often the first on scene, sometimes minutes before EMS can safely enter. In those moments, the ability to recognize and treat life-threatening injuries can mean the difference between life and death. In this episode of Bluegrass Beat, Jason Mike, Tactics Section Supervisor and Critical Skills Instructor at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training, explains why tactical medicine has become an essential skill in modern policing. Mike draws from his experience as an Army combat medic, Silver Star recipient, and former patr
One Mission, One Commonwealth: Inside Kentucky’s BACKUPPS Program
6mo ago · 19:39
Crime doesn’t stop at city or county lines — and effective public safety can’t either. In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, host Critley King-Smith explores the Bluegrass and Central Kentucky Unified Police Protection System (BACKUPPS), a statewide cooperative program designed to help law enforcement agencies work together across jurisdictions. First, BACKUPPS Chairman and Georgetown Police Chief Darin Allgood breaks down how the program works today, including governance, standard operating procedures, training, and what agencies need to know about joining. He also addresses common questions
Eyes on the Goals
7mo ago · 19:39
In this first episode of 2026, Special Assistant Amy Hess discusses what can be expected from the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training in the new year.
Saving Lives with Project Heart Restart
9mo ago · 25:07
In this special episode of The Bluegrass Beat, host Critley King-Smith explores Project Heart Restart, an initiative working to place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in every police cruiser across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Hear how this mission is already saving lives, and why AED access in cruisers can change outcomes for families and communities across the state.
Raising Numbers
11mo ago · 21:50
Raising salaries and increasing in-service options are discussed as Commissioner Mike Bosse returns to the Bluegrass Beat and Director of Training Operations David Hay makes his first appearance.
Meet the Marshal
12mo ago · 23:38
In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, meet new State School Security Marshal Shannon West and hear about his background, his hopes for the office, his team, and his mission of keeping kids safe.
Partnerships Matter
1y ago · 17:35
In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, Office of Drug Control Policy Executive Director Van Ingram discusses the ways that the commonwealth is working to successfully reduce overdose deaths in Kentucky, options law enforcement agencies have to help, and community resources.
Helping Hands
1y ago · 28:30
In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, Georgetown’s Lt. Mitch Lair talks about the use of social workers and victim advocates with law enforcement agencies, the benefits, pitfalls and ways to bring this valuable service to your own agency.
Kentucky Law Enforcement Council Explained
1y ago · 10:51
In this episode, Kentucky Law Enforcement Council Executive Director Rob Ratliff explains the organization he represents, its mission to maintain integrity and standardization in law enforcement training, and its role as a resource to agencies across the state.
Answering the Call: Updates to Public Safety Dispatcher Training
1y ago · 16:08
Join host Critley King-Smith in a conversation with Department of Criminal Justice Training Deputy Commissioner Brian Bowling and Telecommunications Section Supervisor Lee Ann Boyle to discuss the introduction of the Telecommunications Overview Training Standards, updates to the Public Safety Dispatch Academy curriculum and honoring the heroes behind the headset as we move toward National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
Full Steam Ahead
1y ago · 19:59
In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, Commissioner Mike Bosse returns to the podcast to discuss exciting changes at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training, including reduced wait times for training, improved communication, and expansion. Commissioner Bosse also talks about the importance of building relationships with the Commonwealth's chiefs, sheriffs, and telecommunications directors is to DOCJT’s mission.
Medical Cannabis: What Law Enforcement Should Know
1y ago · 31:56
In this kickoff episode of the new year, the Bluegrass Beat dives into one of the most significant changes within the Commonwealth: the recent legalization of medical cannabis. Joining us are Sam Flynn, Executive Director of the Office of Medical Cannabis, David Gregory, Director of Law Enforcement Outreach, and Ingrid Geiser, Legal Training Instructor at the Department of Criminal Justice Training. Together, they explore the key aspects of the new law, resources available to peace officers, and the critical information every officer needs as this legislation takes effect. Whether you're in la
Helping Heroes Heal
1y ago · 48:09
In this episode of Bluegrass Beat, we sit down with Angela Childers, a dedicated and award-winning Mental Health Professional at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training. Angela shares her passion for helping peace officers and dispatchers recover from post-critical incident injuries, discusses the unique challenges they face and the vital role of mental health support in their recovery.
Survivor turned M.A.D.D. Regional Executive Director: DUI is a Choice
1y ago · 28:11
As a 13-year-old, Alex Otte was the victim of an intoxicated boater. Now, she is a victorious voice for safety, DUI enforcement and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Regional Executive Director for Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Hear her speak with Bluegrass Beat Host Critley King-Smith about her story, what peace officers can do to help keep impaired drivers and boaters off roads and waterways, and how MADD is partnering and communicating with law enforcement.
Victim-Center Interviewing
1y ago · 29:31
In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat podcast, Department of Criminal Justice Training Instructor Jim Root and University of Louisville Associate Professor Bradley Campbell discuss their work creating a victim-centered interview course, the techniques used, evidence-based research and how Kentucky is leading the way and going beyond just the facts to solving crimes.
The Making of the Marshal
1y ago · 28:39
Retired State School Security Marshal Ben Wilcox talks about the 2024 school safety report, being an SRO, a career of firsts, and being responsible for Kentucky’s kids. He also gives advice for future successors and a final message to law enforcement, teachers, and families as he prepares to start his retirement.
A Safer Kentucky Home
2y ago · 24:14
In this episode, Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Keith Jackson discusses the steps taken by the Beshear-Coleman administration to create a safer Kentucky, protect law enforcement, strengthen communication with public safety leaders and enhance law enforcement training.
Weathering the Storm
2y ago · 28:27
In this episode, Dawson Springs Police Chief Mike Opalek discusses policing in a tight-knit community, recovering from natural disasters, the impact of DOCJT drone training, drone technology in policing, and how the greater law enforcement family came to help his town during their time of need.
Survival, Self-Care and Support
2y ago · 37:45
In this powerful and enlightening episode, Department of Criminal Justice Training Resiliency Instructor Gabe Gillingham and his wife, Melissa Gillingham, discuss post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) among first responders and its ripple effects on their families and marriages. Tune in to hear the Gillinghams share their own personal journey through PTSI, restoration, helping others heal, and their continued work through the Kentucky Post-Critical Incidence Seminar (KYPCIS).
Remembering Heroes: KLEMF Board Chair Discusses Memorial Foundation
2y ago · 15:58
In this episode of Bluegrass Beat, Flemingsburg Police Chief and Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation (KLEMF) Board Chair Brian Bowling speaks with host Critley King-Smith about the foundation, its history, this year’s upcoming memorial ceremony, resources provided for families of the fallen and much more.

Episodes

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Bluegrass Beat

Episodes 38

211: A Community Resource Every Officer Should Know

Beyond the Breathalyzer: Kentucky’s Roadside Oral Fluid Testing Program

Here at Home

A Mother’s Love, A Deputy’s Legacy

Stopping Scams: Protecting Kentuckians Through Law Enforcement Partnerships

Tactical Medicine in Modern Policing

One Mission, One Commonwealth: Inside Kentucky’s BACKUPPS Program

Eyes on the Goals

Saving Lives with Project Heart Restart

Raising Numbers

Meet the Marshal

Partnerships Matter

Helping Hands

Kentucky Law Enforcement Council Explained

Answering the Call: Updates to Public Safety Dispatcher Training

Full Steam Ahead

Medical Cannabis: What Law Enforcement Should Know

Helping Heroes Heal

Survivor turned M.A.D.D. Regional Executive Director: DUI is a Choice

Victim-Center Interviewing

The Making of the Marshal

A Safer Kentucky Home

Weathering the Storm

Survival, Self-Care and Support

Remembering Heroes: KLEMF Board Chair Discusses Memorial Foundation

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Episodes 38

211: A Community Resource Every Officer Should Know

Beyond the Breathalyzer: Kentucky’s Roadside Oral Fluid Testing Program

Here at Home

A Mother’s Love, A Deputy’s Legacy

Stopping Scams: Protecting Kentuckians Through Law Enforcement Partnerships

Tactical Medicine in Modern Policing

One Mission, One Commonwealth: Inside Kentucky’s BACKUPPS Program

Eyes on the Goals

Saving Lives with Project Heart Restart

Raising Numbers

Meet the Marshal

Partnerships Matter

Helping Hands

Kentucky Law Enforcement Council Explained

Answering the Call: Updates to Public Safety Dispatcher Training

Full Steam Ahead

Medical Cannabis: What Law Enforcement Should Know

Helping Heroes Heal

Survivor turned M.A.D.D. Regional Executive Director: DUI is a Choice

Victim-Center Interviewing

The Making of the Marshal

A Safer Kentucky Home

Weathering the Storm

Survival, Self-Care and Support

Remembering Heroes: KLEMF Board Chair Discusses Memorial Foundation