Bluegrass Beat

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. To learn more about the Kentucky Office of Highway Sa...

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. ABOUT OUR GUEST With nearly 35 years of experience in public safety, Amy Hess has held leadership roles across federal, state and local government. She...

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 me...

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. We discuss: What t...

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 C...

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 Chi...

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. Featured Guest Amy Hess, DOCJT Special Assistant With nearly 35 years of experience in public safety, Amy Hess has held leadership roles across federal, state, and local government. She currently serves as special assistant in Kentucky’...

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. Featured Guests J...

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. For more information, follow this link, https://www.docjt.ky.gov/, an d select the Training tab. Look for the 2026 Course Book to be released soon. … The Bluegrass Beat is recorded and produced by the Ken...

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. Click the link below for more information about the Office of the State School Security Marshal. https://www.docjt.ky.gov/state-school-security-marshal ABOUT OUR GUEST SHANNON WEST, STATE SCHOOL SECURITY...

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. For more information on the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Police and the resources they provide, visit https://odcp.ky.gov/...

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. About Our Guest Lt. Mitch Lair, Georgetown Police Department Mitch Lair began his law enforcement career when he joined the United States Army Military Police C...

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. About Our Guest Rob Ratliff, Kentucky Law Enforcement Council Director Rob Ratliff is the executive director of the Kentucky Law Enforceme...

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 S...

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 direc...

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 Trainin...

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 recover...

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 wa...

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. About Our Guests Jim Root, Depa...

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. View the school safety report here . Read more about the Office of the State School S...

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.   Show Materials Gov. Beshear: Overdose Deaths Decline for Second-Straight Year, Nearly 10% Decrease in 2023 Kent...

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.   The Bluegrass Beat is recorded and produced by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Traini...

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...

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. This year’s Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will be held June 4, 2024, at...

In this conclusion of the Bluegrass Beat case study: Seeking Savannah, Richmond Police Sgt. Kelli Fraze discusses her agency’s experience as the high-profile missing person’s case turned toward seeking justice for a murdered young Kentucky mother—Savannah Spurlock. Fraze, who was one of the case’s lead investigators, speaks about steps taken, lessons learned, gaining information from technology an...