Captain Dave Spicer, of the Dover Police Department, joined two hundred and twenty-five Law enforcement officers that graduated today from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia. The 261st Session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 48 states. Included in the class are members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 23 international countries, five military organizations, and five federal civilian organizations.
The FBI National Academy is considered the most prestigious law enforcement school available. The National Academy has long been a vital element in the continuing improvement of law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation throughout the world. The FBI National Academy provides a wide range of leadership and specialized training, as well as an opportunity for professional law enforcement officers to share ideas, techniques, and experiences. Attendees are invited after being nominated by their department. Once nominated, the Officers undergo an extensive background check and interview process. Admission to the FBINational Academy is very limited: only 1/2 of 1 percent of all law enforcement in the world are invited by the Director of the FBI to attend the academy. Law Enforcement officers from around the world submit to concentrated studies and demanding physical training for ten weeks. Once the officers graduate from the National Academy, they are encouraged to join the FBI National Academy Associates located in their State or region. The Dover Police Department is extremely fortunate and proud to have 25 officers graduate from the FBI National Academy to this date.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. On average, these officers have 19 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
FBI Director James Comey was the principal speaker at the ceremony.
Training for the program is provided by the FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents, and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise.
Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia due to the accreditation by the university of the many courses offered.
The graduating officers will be represented by the class spokesperson, Ian Stratford, Inspector, Toronto Police Service, Cambridge Ontario, Canada. A total of 48,561 graduates now represent the alumni of the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935.