KU unveils plans to expand law enforcement training center

Kansas University on Monday revealed plans for a new dormitory and additional training space at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center near Hutchinson.Treanor Architects of Lawrence released a rendering of the what the center would look like after completion of the $16 million capital improvement project.The training center is a unit of KU’s Continuing Education program, and leaders there have said current facilities are at capacity.”We’re busting at the seams,” said Ed Pavey, the training center’s director, in a statement. “We train seven out of every 10 law enforcement officers who receive basic training in Kansas, and demand for training continues to be strong.”The dormitory – which includes 63 two-person rooms – and a facility with classrooms and meeting space for up to 800 people make up the project’s first phase. Currently, the center’s classrooms seat 78 people, and the center has rented other facilities for larger gatherings.Groundbreaking on the two buildings is scheduled for December; leaders expect to complete construction in May 2009. The second phase, construction of a training course for emergency vehicle driving, will begin sometime next year.