New director named for Iowa law enforcement academy

Gov. Terry Branstad has named Arlen Ciechanowski as the new director of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

Ciechanowski replaces Penny Westfall, who resigned April 1.

Branstad says Ciechanowski has a long, distinguished law enforcement career and understands the administrative needs to make the academy successful.

The 58-year-old Ciechanowski's career spans 36 years, first with the Ames Police Department and then the Story County sheriff's office. He later served as an instructor and assistant director of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. He begins his new duties Tuesday.

Westfall came under criticism last year from police chiefs, sheriffs and deputies, who questioned her leadership and management style.

The academy, located in Johnston near Des Moines, trains police officers on law enforcement techniques and investigative procedures.