MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Chief Stephanie Bastin and Assistant Chief Tiua Chilton are one dynamic duo. Together they bring 40 years of police experience to the Kentucky State University Police Department. They have leadership experience from statewide organizations such as the Presidency of the Kentucky Association of University Law Enforcement Administrators (Bastin) to the 2nd Vice Presidency of the Kentucky Women’s Law Enforcement Network (Chilton). The pair brings prestige by appointments to professional boards such as, the Kentucky Law Enforcement Consortium and Advisory Board for the Police Executive Command Course (Bastin) and University of Kentucky Women’s Forum (Chilton).

When Chief Bastin took the reins of the KSU Department 1 ½ years ago, it was in jeopardy of losing its status as a certified agency due to lack of compliance with state regulations for training. The Department had no policies or written procedures, lacked structure and had severe morale issues according to Bastin. Chief Bastin brought Assistant Chief Chilton on board a year ago and together the two are working to bring about a more professional department.

Asked about the opportunities for them, Bastin and Chilton agree that the major opportunity at the KSU Police Department is, “being handed the chance to rebuild a police department.” This opportunity is rare for two men, much less two women. We can’t think of a better pair to handle the challenge!