LEXINGTON, Ky. — Officers at the Lexington-Fayette County Detention Center had a slightly different roll call. 

Sergeants, officers in training and others joined Kentucky State University for a special announcement. KSU is now taking corrections officers on a pathway toward earning a college certification.

Scott Colvin, community corrections chief, touted the school’s quick planning and process. All courses are online with four majors and three electives at $350 per semester or a discounted price.

Koffi Akakpo, KSU president, said its goal was to keep the program accessible. 

“An online program is going to be unique and worthwhile ... making sure these officers are doing such a phenomenal job for the commonwealth,” he said. “The last thing we can do for them is to provide a service that they can afford. So it's always my goal and my vision to make sure we shorten the time to completion and make the program affordable for students.”

While a normal program takes around 16 weeks, this program is eight weeks, with five classes in 15 hours. Officers can then apply those credits toward obtaining a bachelor's degree. 

Colvin said this is reasonable for officers who work long hours, have a family life and more to consider.

“When you're working and ... it requires a lot of hours, sometimes working as a corrections officer and we're raising families, it becomes a challenge," he said. "It's not that the people of the division don't want to possess a degree. It's just that there aren't enough hours in the day.”

Colvin added the field is complex. It's why they want to help staff continue to enhance their knowledge and abilities. 

“Those of us who are involved with the profession understand that professional development is what it's all about," Colvin said. "You're only as good as your training. Our training is good. We can do better. We're doing better with this program."