FRANKFORT – State Rep. Will Coursey and Senator Albert Robinson announced today that they will be taking the first look at Kentucky State Police recommendations on improving trooper safety when the department completes its work later this fall. They co-chair the General Assembly’s Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee.
“This issue promises to be one of the more prominent ones discussed during the legislative session,” said Rep. Coursey of Benton. “I’m confident we will be able to approve a package and funding that will make a true difference going forward in protecting the lives of these frontline officers.”
“We anticipate receiving these recommendations toward the end of October or the first of November and will talk with our fellow committee members and legislative leaders about how we can implement them when the General Assembly returns to the Capitol in January,” Sen. Robinson of London said. “We’re looking forward to seeing what KSP thinks is the best path forward.”
The request to have KSP review safety and training measures follows the Sept. 13th death of KSP Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder, who died after being shot in his cruiser following a high-speed chase on I-24.
During a press conference last week, House Speaker Greg Stumbo, Trooper Ponder’s father and other legislators put their support behind bullet-proof laminate on cruiser windows, which could have saved Trooper Ponder’s life.
KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer said his department will review the laminate’s use by law enforcement elsewhere and what other changes may need to be implemented.
The date in which the Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee considers the recommendations will be announced once the timetable on the recommendations is set.