KPD e-News Release: Ten KPD Officers Sign-On to Apprenticeship Program

NEWS RELEASE

SUBJECT: Ten KPD Officers Sign-On to Apprenticeship Program

DATE: January 10th, 2024

GENERAL NARRATIVE

On January 10, 2024, ten officers who are currently in training at the Kingsport Police Department signed-on to an apprenticeship program at Kingsport City Hall. The Kingsport Police Department is the first in this region and the second in the state to implement the apprenticeship program. Officers Kenneth Copas, Zachary Calhoun, Liam Tully, Lucas Umbarger, Dillion Calhoun, Austin Hammonds, Jacob Boone, Eric Young, Evan Holliday, and Raymond McDonald Jr. enrolled in the apprenticeship program.

The apprenticeship program is being supported by a grant from the state, covering all costs from training to attending the academy to equipment and uniforms (up to $18,500).

The apprenticeship is competency based, meaning the trainees will adhere to a ‘checklist training program’ covering a wide variety of topics within law enforcement. Through this type of training, there is an added level of accountability for trainees and KPD officers, which in turn helps them be more prepared for police officer responsibilities. Assuring exposure to wide variety encountered calls and situations that could be faced in the duties of a police officer.

The trainee’s progress schedule for on-the-job learning includes responding to emergencies, investigating accidents to determine causes, maintain operational records, detain suspects or witnesses, maintain public order or security, testify at legal or legislative proceedings, inform the public about policies, services or procedures, defensive tactics, and firearm trainings.

Through the completion of the apprenticeship tasks (completion of academy training, 50% completion of fulltime officer training, completion of fulltime officer training), it results in a quicker increase in pay for the trainees.