Funding secured for new Madisonville justice training center

HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – A new justice training center in Madisonville is one step closer to reality.

Kentucky Senators Robby Mills and Wade Williams announced the new training center will be $50 million and will be a state-of-the-art facility in the area.

The project is funded through the General Assembly with House Bill 1. The project is expected to break ground in the spring of 2025.

"After years of advocating for the resources our law enforcement officers need, I am proud to see the funding secured for this new Department of Criminal Justice Training Center," Mills said. "This investment will provide officers with the advanced training necessary to keep our communities safe while promoting accountability and professionalism. It's a vital step forward in ensuring that those who serve and protect us have the tools and skills to meet the challenges of modern policing."

"Policing today demands a specialized set of skills and training, and this center will transform how we equip our officers to handle the challenges they encounter on duty, while also reducing travel time and costs," said Williams. "This is a crucial investment in our officers, our community, and the long-term safety of the people we serve."

According to a press release, the new facility will serve as a western Kentucky hub for police training and will offer advanced courses in crisis de-escalation, community policing, use-of-force best practices, mental health response and other key areas of law enforcement.

The release also states the center will feature cutting-edge simulation technology, tactical training environments and classroom spaces designed to ensure officers are equipped with the knowledge and experience they need to serve and protect the community effectively.

Local officials and law enforcement leaders praised the initiative, highlighting positive impacts the training center will have on officer readiness and public trust.