Police / Train for Skill
BOWLING GREEN LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY
BGLEA was founded in 2020 by the Bowling Green Police Department in partnership with the Department of Criminal Justice Training. The Academy is hosted in Bowling Green for new Police Department Recruits. The Academy is 20 weeks and taught by BGPD instructors, local legal professionals and other members of the community. Academy participants do not have to stay overnight or be away from their families. Recruits attend the Academy like a normal 40-hour work week.
Overview of Curriculum and Training Areas
- Coordination – Includes ceremonial and historical information. Introduction of physical training regimen, CPR and first aid certification.
- Legal Training – Law enforcement education on the U.S. Constitution and Kentucky criminal law.
- Leadership Training – Topics include full wellness including mental, physical and financial management as well as maintaining healthy relationships and habits.
- Investigating Special Topics – Highly technical skills are taught regarding how to manage a crime scene, collect evidence, interviewing both victims and suspects, how to handle abuse, assault and deal with controlled substances.
- Traffic – Focus on driving under the influence (DUI) violations, vehicle operations including becoming a certified Smith Driver.
- Patrol Procedures – This covers fundamentals of being a patrol officer from radio communication to writing reports, and problem solving techniques. Some topics include; cultural awareness, animal control, issuing citations and follow ups.
- Firearms – Introduction, exercise and certification on use of both handgun and patrol rifle as well as tactical exercises and off-duty firearm safety.
- Patrol Tactics – This area will cover everything an officer needs to know about handling traffic stops including approach, identifying a high-risk event, working in low light, dealing with non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians. This area also includes critical incidents and decision making.
- Physical Training – Physical training and defense tactics. This includes being fit for duty, recommended exercises, as well as handcuffing, search/frisk, use of batons, defense against sharp weapons and TASER.
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
Geoffrey Gleitz
Assistant Chief Geoffrey Gleitz is the Academy Director. He has been with the Bowling Green Police Department since 2007. Major Gleitz previously served in the Patrol and Investigations Divisions. He is a former member and commander of both the Critical Response Team and UAS Team. Major Gleitz has been with the Bowling Green Law Enforcement Academy since its inception in 2020. Major Gleitz served in the Army for 20 years, both active and National Guard.
Jennie McShane
Captain Jennie McShane has been with the department for 12 years. During that time, she has been a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, training sergeant, and training captain. She has been a member of the collision reconstruction team and the negotiation team. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Kinesiology from Indiana University. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Kentucky University.
Bernard Wiedemer
Sergeant Bernard Wiedemer has been with the Bowling Green Police Department since 2007. Prior to coming to the training division, he served in Patrol and CID as a supervisor. He is a member of the Motor Unit and the Honor Guard. Sergeant Wiedemer is the lead firearms instructor for the department and the Academy. He served in the US Army for over 23 years, both active and reserves.
Michael Jonker
Sergeant Michael Jonker has been with BGPD since 2010. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University and holds a Master’s Degree in Forensic Science from University of Florida. Sergeant Jonker is a KLEC certified instructor in multiple areas including firearms, less lethal weapons, defensive tactics, driving, and physical fitness. He currently serves as the Police Training Officer Coordinator.
Thomas Bugsch
Sergeant Thomas Bugsch joined the Bowling Green Police Department in 2015 after serving 8 years in the United States Navy. He has been a member of the Critical Response Team since 2017 and currently holds the position of Team Leader. Aside from his duties in the Training Division, he is an instructor in firearms, tactical combat casualty care, less lethal weapons, field force, and driving.
Jennifer Willis
Sergeant Jennifer Willis began her career with the Bowling Green Police Department in 2009. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Northern Kentucky University and currently serves as the lead Defensive Tactics Instructor and In-House coordinator for the department. Before joining the Training Division, Sgt. Willis served in Patrol, where she worked as a Patrol Sergeant. Sgt. Willis is certified as an ALERRT Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, P.T. Instructor, Less Lethal Instructor, and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Instructor.
