Chief Stephanie Bastin became involved in the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP) after being promoted to Captain at the University of Kentucky Police Department (UK) in the early 2000’s.   While at UK, she twice served as the Kentucky Association of University Law Enforcement Administrators (KAULEA) representative to the KACP board and currently serves as our 3^rd Vice President.    

In January 2008 she was hired as Chief of Police of Kentucky State University Police (KSU).   Most chiefs step into the role as chief in a department that is already established and make any necessary changes.  This has certainly not been the case here at KSU.   Chief Bastin was charged with rebuilding a department that had little structure, discipline, policies and/or procedures and was on the brink of having its KLEPF (Kentucky Law Enforcement Program Fund) revoked for consistent non-compliance.  

 Now, two and a half years later, KSU Police Department is a fully functioning police department with 13 sworn police officers, 3 full time certified communication officers and 5 part time dispatchers in addition to security personnel and support staff.    

The “new” department has made great strides in establishing itself as professional police department.  Under Chief Bastin’s direction, the department has received grant funding for weapons and bullet proof vests.  The officers all receive at least 120 hours of in-service training a year, far above the mandatory 40 hours.  Education programs in the dorms have been implemented, where before there were none.  The parking department has been completely revamped, dorm security is being utilized to protect students and their property; the website re-done; necessary equipment has been purchased and issued; preparations for moving to the new building are being finalized; KLEPF funding has been restored; improved communication and working relationships with the county and commonwealth attorney’s offices and other local police agencies; and policies have been written and issued all in accordance with accreditation standards, a goal that the department is striving to reach.

For the reasons listed above and so many more not stated here, we congratulate Chief Stephanie Bastin of the Kentucky State University Police Department on becoming KACP’s 2010 Chief of the Year!