Drury University names new leader of law enforcement academy

Michael Boone trained police officers in Las Vegas.

Michael Boone, a veteran of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, has been named executive director of Drury University’s Law Enforcement Academy. His first day was Jan. 5.

“I am looking forward to preparing the recruits in the Drury Law Enforcement Academy to be the next guardians of our communities,” said Boone, in a news release. “I was a police officer for over 21 years, spending significant time instructing at the academy and also teaching on a national level. I am excited to be a part of the Drury family.”

Boone worked for eight years as an academy training and counseling officer with the Las Vegas police department and served as legal instructor with Blue to Gold Law Enforcement Training since February 2021.

There was significant interest in the Drury position vacated by Christopher Johns, a former Springfield police officer, who stepped down in May to become the Bolivar police chief.

“Mike’s extensive experience as both an officer of the law and a trainer, plus his enthusiasm for preparing the next generation of public safety officers, put him at the top of the over 80 applications we received,” said Kevin Kropf, executive vice president of enrolment management at Drury, in a news release.

“There has never been a better time to prepare for a career in law enforcement at Drury. I know Mike is excited to extend our partnerships with local agencies and in meeting the next class of LEA recruits.”

Nearly all graduates of the 750-hour training academy are recruited by regional law enforcement agencies. It is separate from the academy operated by the Springfield Police Department.

Boone will oversee day-to-day operations and compliance with Missouri’s Peace Officer Standards and Training. An experienced trainer on report writing and Fourth Amendment issues, Boone will also be responsible for updating the firearms curriculum to include rifle, handgun and shotgun components.

Boone has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.