New Barracks Construction for BRTC Law Enforcement Academy

Black River Technical College, Arkansas, September 4, 2025

News Summary

The construction of new barracks for the Black River Technical College Law Enforcement Training Academy is nearing completion, promising significant changes for recruits. Anticipated to finish in a few months, the state-of-the-art facility will house recruits on campus, improving engagement and reducing costs by eliminating hotel stays. With recent legislative support and funding, the academy aims to enhance training opportunities and foster a supportive community during the intensive 13-week program, reflecting a commitment to better prepare future law enforcement officers.

Construction of New Barracks for Black River Technical College Law Enforcement Academy Nearing Completion

The construction of barracks for the Black River Technical College (BRTC) Law Enforcement Training Academy is rapidly approaching completion, with the facility expected to be finished within the next couple of months. This newly constructed barrack will revolutionize the way law enforcement recruits train, enabling them to stay on campus instead of relying on local hotels.

BRTC initiated this project nearly a year ago, breaking ground to build a facility that aims to enhance the training experience for aspiring police officers. Currently, recruits often travel from distant locations and face challenges associated with lodging away from the academy.

Jared Bassham, the director of the BRTC Training Academy, has indicated that construction crews are ahead of schedule, largely due to favorable weather conditions. Such progress will allow the recruits to move into their new barracks by January 2026, optimizing their training environment.

The introduction of this new barracks is expected to provide additional training opportunities. The facility will cater to more advanced training sessions that include night-time, low-light training scenarios, traffic stops, and firearms training. These improvements are crucial in fostering a comprehensive law enforcement educational experience.

The financial aspect of the new barracks project is significant. A recent bill that allocated over $4.5 million to BRTC for construction has been passed. This funding is considered vital, as the college currently spends in excess of $100,000 annually on room and board for academy recruits. Establishing on-campus barracks will not only minimize these costs but also provide greater convenience for both the program and its enrollees.

Steve Shults, director of the BRTC Law Enforcement Training Academy, explains the crucial role the barracks will play in changing the culture among new recruits. By allowing recruits to live on campus, they are likely to bond more effectively, creating a more cohesive training environment.

Moreover, the construction of the barracks aligns with various legislative efforts aimed at enhancing law enforcement support across Arkansas. A recent law enforcement task force introduced 27 recommendations to improve assistance and training for officers in the state. Discussions in the Arkansas House and Senate regarding law enforcement-related bills also signify support at the government level.

In connection with these changes, Shults has advocated for a potential $3,000 tax credit for full-time police officers meeting certain criteria. Furthermore, he highlights the necessity for a field training officer program, aimed at smaller departments to ensure adequate training for recruits after they complete their academy education. This initiative illustrates an encouraging move towards bolstering law enforcement resources and enhancing overall training quality in the state.

With construction underway and multiple supportive actions being proposed, BRTC is optimistic about the future of law enforcement training in Arkansas. By providing a specialized living and training environment, the new barracks will mark a significant step toward preparing competent law enforcement professionals.

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Additional Resources

• NWAOnline: BRTC Breaks Ground
• KAIT8: BRTC Law Enforcement Academy
• Pocahontas Times: Taking Care of Each Other
• White River Now: Deputies Complete Training
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement