Reid Health police officers graduated from the IN Law Enforcement Academy

RICHMOND, Ind. – Four other Reid health workers graduated from Indiana Law Enforcement Academy on Tuesday, according to a statement.

Reid’s work to turn his security staff into a police department over the past 16 months is expected to be completed by the end of 2021, according to Reid Health Police Chief Randy Kolentus.

“We’re almost there now,” Kolentus said in the statement. “Everyone has done really well throughout the transition. We’ve come a long way in a short period of time.”

Officers Scott Jackson, Cory Jenkins, Scott Roberts and Billy Terhaar are the academy’s latest graduates. They were sworn in in February before attending the eight-week training course, the statement said. Kolentus plans to send the next group to the academy in August, hoping that the last staff member still in transition will begin training in October.

Reid began this process in early 2020 with the goal of joining other Indiana healthcare systems and improving the safety and security of those who use Reid’s services. The change reflects the growth of the health care system, which has also increased the need for police assistance. When this plan was first announced, Kolentus noted that the Richmond Police Department responded to Reid’s calls nearly 900 times in 2019, the statement said.

Read more:Reid Health ahead of schedule to form police department

Related:Reid Health Chief Randy Kolentus introduced the Wabash’s Sagamore

The former security service has grown from nine officers in 2016 to over 20 team members in 2021, as Reid’s geographic footprint has grown and its number of employees has grown to around 3,400 people.

“It’s been a real team effort with officers working extra shifts to cover those attending the academy,” said Jennifer Ehlers, vice president and chief quality officer for Reid Health, in the statement. “Their dedication and service to law enforcement, to those they serve and to each other is extraordinary and appreciated.”