FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY

What is the FBI National Academy?
The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement leaders that serves to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide. It's mission is "to support, promote, and enhance the personal and professional development of law enforcement leaders by preparing them for complex, dynamic, and contemporary challenges through innovative techniques, facilitating excellence in education and reseach, and forging partnerships throughout the world."

Who attends?
Leaders and managers of state and local police, sheriffs' departments, military police organizations, and federal law enforcement agencies. Participation is by invitation only, though a nomination process. Participants are drawn from every state in the union, from U.S. territories, and from over 150 foreign nations.

What is the course of study?
For 10 classroom-hour weeks, four times a year, classes of some 250 officers take undergraduate and/or graduate college courses on the Quantico, Virginia, campus in the following areas: Law, Behavioral Science, Forensic Science, Leadership Development, Communication, and Health/Fitness. Officers participate in a wide range of leadership and specialized training, and they share ideas, techniques, and experiences with each other, creating lifelong partnerships that span state and national lines.

How long has the National Academy been in operation?
Since July 29, 1935, with 23 students in attendance. It was created in response to a 1930 study by the Wickersham Commission that recommended the standardization and professionalizing of the law enforcement departments across the United States through centralized training. With strong support from the International Association of Chiefs of Police and with the authority of Congress and the Department of Justice, the "FBI Police Training School" was born. Courses at that time included Scientific Aids in Crime Detection, Preparation of Reports, Criminal Investigation Techniques, and Administration and Organization. With the advent of World War II, courses were added in Espionage and Sabotage.

Life after the National Academy.
Following graduation, each officer has the opportunity to join the FBI National Academy Associates, a dynamic organization of more than 15,000 law enforcement professionals who actively work to continue developing higher levels of competency, cooperation, and integrity across the law enforcement community.

Nomination of Law Enforcement Officers to Attend the National Academy Program

This nomination should be signed by a commissioner, superintendent, or chief of police; or by a sheriff or head of a county policy agency; or by the chief, superintendent, or executive officer of a state police or highway patrol organization; or the application may be filed by an officer of the state, county, or municipality of higher rank than those mentioned, such as mayor, city manager, chairman of the county or city commissioner, or governor. Further, the nominee must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. A regular full-time officer of a duly-constituted law enforcement agency of a municipality, county, or state, having at least five years of substantially continuous such experience
2. At least 25 years of age
3. In excellent physical condition, capable of sustained strenuous exertion and regular participation in the use of firearms, physical training, and defensive tactics, which will be confirmed by a thorough physical examination (submitted when requested by FBI) by a medical doctor of nominee's choice and at nominee's expense
4. Is of excellent character and enjoys a reputation for professional integrity
5. Exhibits an interest in law enforcement as a public service; a seriousness of purpose, qualities of leadership; and enjoys the confidence and respect of fellow officers
6. Has a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate
7. Agrees to remain in law enforcement a minimum of three years after graduation from the FBI National Academy

Harris County Sheriff’s Office
FBI National Academy Graduates