5 Critical Updates On The Frankfort Police Department KY: New Chief, $455K Tech Upgrade, And A Focus On Community Trust

The Frankfort Police Department (FPD) in Kentucky is undergoing a significant transformation, placing a renewed emphasis on public trust and modern policing techniques, a shift that is crucial as of December 2025. Following a period of staffing challenges and high-profile local incidents, the department is leveraging new leadership and substantial financial grants to enhance its operational capabilities and deepen its connection with the Franklin County community. This comprehensive overview details the FPD’s updated structure, key personnel, and the fresh initiatives defining its mission to provide quality law enforcement and effective public safety.

The FPD serves as the primary law enforcement agency for Frankfort, the capital city of Kentucky, operating from the Public Safety Building at 300 W Second Street. Its mission remains centered on providing a safe and secure environment for its citizens, a goal now being pursued through specialized units, advanced technology, and a commitment to transparency under its new leadership. The department's proactive approach is essential in addressing contemporary challenges, from traffic safety to complex investigations like the recent Kentucky State University (KSU) shooting incident.

Meet the Leadership: Chief Derrick Napier’s Profile and Vision

The Frankfort Police Department is currently led by Chief Derrick Napier, a figure whose appointment signals a deep commitment to homegrown leadership and community roots. Chief Napier's selection by the Frankfort Board of Commissioners was unanimous, reflecting confidence in his extensive experience within the department.

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Chief Derrick Napier Biography and Leadership Profile

• Name: Derrick Napier
• Current Title: Chief of Police, Frankfort Police Department (FPD)
• Hometown/Roots: Lifelong resident of Franklin County.
• Career Tenure: Spent his entire 21-year career with the Frankfort Police Department prior to becoming Chief.
• Previous Role: Served as Assistant Chief of Police, including a role in the Operations Division.
• Key Focus: Public trust is paramount to a successful police department, a core tenet of his leadership.
• Community Involvement: Active in local organizations, including serving as President of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital.
• Collaborative Efforts: Works closely with Mayor Layne Wilkerson on major city-wide safety initiatives.

Chief Napier’s elevation from within the ranks is seen as a strategic move to stabilize the department following the departure of the former Chief, Travis Ellis, who contemplated retirement after experiencing staffing shortages. His vision prioritizes rebuilding and maintaining strong public confidence, which is critical for effective policing in a capital city.

The FPD’s Organizational Structure: Operations and Specialized Units

To effectively manage law enforcement across Frankfort, the FPD is structured into two primary divisions, ensuring all aspects of public safety, from daily patrols to complex investigations and administrative support, are covered. These divisions are the Operations Division and Support Services Division.

The Operations Division: On the Front Lines

The Operations Division represents the uniformed, front-line response of the FPD, typically commanded by a Captain (such as Captain Shane Music). This division is responsible for immediate community safety and emergency response. Its specialized units provide critical capabilities for high-risk situations and specific law enforcement needs:

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• Patrol Services: The backbone of the department, responsible for 24/7 coverage, traffic safety, and initial incident response.
• Tactical Response Unit (TRU): The FPD’s highly trained SWAT-equivalent team, deployed for high-risk operations, barricaded subjects, and warrant service.
• Canine Unit: Utilizes specially trained police dogs for tracking, drug detection, and officer protection.
• Crisis Negotiations: A team dedicated to de-escalating tense situations and safely resolving standoffs without force.
• Honor Guard: Represents the department at funerals, ceremonies, and official civic events.

Support Services Division: Building the Foundation

While less visible, the Support Services Division is vital for the department’s long-term effectiveness. This division handles administrative functions, training, records, and technology. A key component is the department’s commitment to officer development, including a rigorous 13-week field training program that all new sworn officers must complete before receiving a patrol assignment.

Fresh Initiatives: New Technology and Community Outreach in 2025

The Frankfort Police Department is actively pursuing modern solutions to enhance its effectiveness and community relationships. Recent grant funding and program development highlight the department’s forward-thinking approach.

$455,000 Grant for a Mobile Command Post

In a significant step toward modernizing its operational response, the City of Frankfort, with support from Mayor Layne Wilkerson and Chief Napier, secured over $455,000 in funding. This grant is earmarked for the purchase of a state-of-the-art Mobile Command Post. This new technology will be instrumental during major incidents, such as natural disasters, large-scale public events, or complex criminal investigations like the recent shooting at Kentucky State University (KSU), by providing a centralized, technologically advanced hub for on-site coordination and communication.

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The KSU shooting, which tragically resulted in one death and one injury, underscores the need for rapid, coordinated response capabilities, a role the new mobile command post is designed to fill.

The Citizen’s Police Academy: Fostering Public Trust

A cornerstone of the FPD’s community engagement strategy is the Citizen’s Police Academy. This program is open to all Frankfort citizens and is designed to create a growing nucleus of responsible, well-informed citizens. The academy covers various aspects of the law enforcement profession, offering participants a hands-on look at the daily challenges and procedures of the FPD. By demystifying police work, the program directly supports Chief Napier’s core vision of building and maintaining public trust and transparency.

Proactive Community Recovery and Outreach

The FPD is also actively involved in proactive community health and recovery initiatives, demonstrating an understanding that law enforcement extends beyond arrests. The department collaborates with local non-profits and organizations to address issues like substance abuse, a major concern across Kentucky. Key partnerships include:

• Recovery Café of Frankfort: Working with the FPD to provide support for individuals struggling with addiction.
• Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation: Assisting in programs focused on community well-being.
• New Vista: Partnering on mental health and recovery outreach efforts.

These partnerships position the Frankfort Police Department not just as an enforcement body, but as an integral part of the city’s overall public health and safety network, utilizing a holistic approach to community challenges.

The Future Outlook for Frankfort Law Enforcement

The Frankfort Police Department is clearly on a path of modernization and community focus. Under Chief Napier’s leadership, the FPD is strategically addressing both internal challenges, such as staffing and training, and external pressures, including high-profile crime and the need for greater transparency.

The combined investment in a new mobile command post, the commitment to community education through the Citizen’s Police Academy, and the active participation in substance abuse recovery initiatives all point to a department dedicated to quality law enforcement and effective service. As Frankfort, KY, continues to grow and evolve, the FPD remains a critical entity, constantly adapting its strategies and technology to ensure the safety and security of every resident in Franklin County.