New Officer Ready to Serve: Hutchinson's Newest Graduate Begins Field Training

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Police Department Officer Doug West has graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center's Class 346 and will begin field training within the next couple of weeks, the department announced Thursday.

West completed the comprehensive training program at KLETC, which provides standardized law enforcement education to officers throughout Kansas. The training center offers courses covering criminal law, traffic enforcement, emergency response, firearms training and other essential police skills.

The Hutchinson Police Department congratulated West on his achievement in a social media post Thursday evening. West joins the force as the department continues its commitment to professional development and community safety.

Field training will provide West with hands-on experience under the supervision of veteran officers before he begins independent patrol duties. The structured program allows new graduates to apply classroom knowledge in real-world situations while receiving mentorship from experienced personnel.

KLETC, located in Hutchinson, serves as Kansas's primary law enforcement training facility. The center trains hundreds of officers annually for departments across the state, ensuring consistent standards and best practices in police work.

The Hutchinson Police Department serves the city of approximately 40,000 residents in south-central Kansas. The department has not announced West's specific assignment following completion of field training.