Vermont Police Academy seeks funding for canine training and athletic trainer positions

The Vermont Senate Committee on Judiciary convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss critical staffing and funding requests aimed at enhancing law enforcement training and officer wellness in the state. The meeting focused on two primary proposals: the establishment of a canine training position and the hiring of an athletic trainer.

The first item on the agenda was the request for support to either create a canine training position or secure funding to continue contracting for canine training services for two years. The rationale behind this request stemmed from a significant shift in canine training protocols within the state. Previously, the Vermont State Police had diverged from the training provided by the academy, opting for external training in Connecticut. This change prompted a review of the academy's canine training program, which identified areas for improvement. The academy has utilized carry-forward funds to engage a contractor for evaluation and enhancement of its program, aiming to realign with the Vermont State Police and provide consistent training standards across the state. The funding request included a salary of $1.14 for the new position or a continuation of the current contracting amount of $150,000 annually for two years.

Following this discussion, the committee addressed the second staffing request for an athletic trainer. This position is intended to support the physical wellness of law enforcement personnel, addressing issues such as officer stress and reducing work-related injuries. The academy has previously contracted with a human performance company, O2X, to implement a comprehensive officer wellness program that focuses on physical training, nutrition, and overall health. This initiative has reportedly led to a decrease in injuries during training, allowing recruits with pre-existing conditions to participate safely and effectively. The athletic trainer would further enhance these efforts by providing tailored physical training programs, thereby improving overall officer readiness and reducing time lost to injuries.

The committee did not raise any immediate questions regarding these proposals, indicating a smooth progression of discussions. The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of these initiatives for the future of law enforcement training and officer health in Vermont. The committee will continue to evaluate these requests as part of its ongoing efforts to support law enforcement agencies statewide.