FBI Houston
FBI Houston Media Office
Email: HO_media@fbi.gov
December 8, 2022

Houston Area Law Enforcement Officers Among FBI National Academy Graduates

HOUSTON, TX—The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Houston Field Office congratulates four Houston area law enforcement officers on their graduation from the FBI National Academy (NA), Class #284, in Quantico, Virginia. Each of the following graduates represents a law enforcement agency based within the FBI Houston area of responsibility, which includes 40 southeast Texas counties:

  • Lieutenant Melissa Countryman (Houston Police Department)
  • Lieutenant Lisa Strong (Harris County Sheriff’s Office)
  • Lieutenant Kelly Freeman (Galveston County Sheriff’s Office)
  • Lieutenant Scott Spencer (Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office)

A photo from the group at the Academy’s ‘Texas Night’ is attached.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the FBI National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 20+ years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

FBI Director Christopher Wray delivered remarks at the ceremony.

FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields.

Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits many of the courses offered.

Nearly 54,000 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.

FBI National Academy "Texas Night"