The new barracks for the BRTC Law Enforcement Academy are on track for completion later this year.
Black River Technical College, Arkansas, September 4, 2025
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 barracks for the Black River Technical College (BRTC) Law Enforcement Training Academy is making significant progress, with completion expected in the coming months. This new facility will enable recruits to reside on campus rather than relying on local hotels, providing a more immersive training experience.
Nearly a year ago, BRTC broke ground on the barracks, which are being built with the aim of enhancing the training program for future law enforcement officers. The construction crews have been working diligently and are currently ahead of schedule. This positive momentum can be attributed primarily to favorable weather conditions, allowing for uninterrupted work.
The new barracks will not only lower housing costs for the program but also for the recruits themselves. Currently, BRTC spends over $100,000 each year on room and board for academy participants who often travel long distances, sometimes requiring hotel accommodations for their stay. Once housing is available on-site, the college anticipates a significant reduction in these expenses.
Additionally, the barracks will provide improved training opportunities. With enhanced facilities, the academy can offer specialized sessions for night-time and low-light training, as well as focused instruction on traffic stops and firearms. This comprehensive approach aims to better prepare recruits for real-world situations they may encounter while serving in law enforcement.
As construction draws to a close, recruits are expected to move into the barracks by January 2026. The project has received further backing from the state, with a recent bill allocating over $4.5 million to BRTC specifically for the barracks development. This funding is part of a broader initiative to support law enforcement training across Arkansas, which includes multiple related bills currently under discussion in the state legislature.
The director of the BRTC Training Academy has expressed enthusiasm regarding the future of the program, noting the potential cultural shift the barracks will facilitate for new recruits. Officers enrolled in the 13-week training program frequently travel several hours to attend the academy, so having a dedicated living space on campus is expected to foster a stronger community among trainees.
While the precise timeline for the barracks’ completion remains uncertain, there is optimism regarding the available funding aimed at supporting the project. The addition of the barracks not only promises to improve the overall training experience for recruits but also aligns with recommendations from a recent law enforcement task force, which proposed 27 measures to bolster support for law enforcement in Arkansas.
Aside from the immediate benefits of on-site housing, the director has also advocated for additional incentives to attract individuals into the law enforcement profession. Among these suggestions is a proposed $3,000 tax credit for full-time police officers who meet certain criteria, aimed at easing the financial burden of entering this vital field. Furthermore, establishing a field training officer program for smaller departments is seen as a key step toward ensuring proper training of recruits once they finish their time at the academy.
Overall, the new barracks at Black River Technical College represent an important investment in the future of law enforcement training in the state, with hopes for ongoing state support to elevate the standards and conditions for upcoming recruits.
The new barracks will offer on-campus housing for law enforcement recruits, allowing them to stay at the academy rather than in hotels. This will reduce housing costs and enable more robust training opportunities.
The barracks are expected to be completed within a couple of months, with recruits able to move in as early as January 2026.
The new barracks will facilitate additional training opportunities, including night-time, low-light training and more comprehensive practice in traffic stops and firearms handling.
By providing on-campus housing, BRTC expects to significantly reduce its yearly spending of over $100,000 on recruits’ accommodations.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | On-campus housing for recruits |
| Cost Reduction | Significantly lowers annual housing expenses |
| Training Opportunities | Facilities for night-time and low-light training, firearms training, and traffic stops |
| Completion Date | Expected by January 2026 |
| Funding | Over $4.5 million allocated from the state |
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