Captain Nick Hurley, Corvallis Police Department, recently completed one of the toughest challenges available to local law enforcement officers: the FBI National Academy. In mid-March, Captain Hurley and three other Oregon law enforcement officers completed a ten-week training session at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

There is a highly competitive process local law enforcement officers must go through to be selected for this honor. That process includes a nomination by a supervisor; interviews with the candidate and co-workers to determine leadership skills and abilities; a background check; a determination of physical fitness; and the support of former National Academy graduates within the candidate’s organization.

“The National Academy is internationally known for its academic excellence and provides the unique opportunity to share best practices and forge partnerships with law enforcement officers from around the globe. The exceptional leaders chosen to attend form an exclusive group and only a few from Oregon are selected each year," said Renn Cannon, special agent in charge of the FBI in Oregon. "We are proud to sponsor Captain Hurley and our other local partners in the National Academy."

Captain Hurley began his law enforcement career 19 years ago with two years at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) overseeing academy training. Captain Hurley is currently the captain of Professional Standards and Support Services for Corvallis Police Department, which encompasses the department’s Records and Evidence, Regional 911 Dispatch center, Training, Risk Management, and Public Information.

Captain Hurley earned a bachelor’s degree in ASL/English Interpreting and a Masters of Education from Oregon State University. He also earned his Executive Certificate from DPSST and is a graduate of the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute (IPSLEI) program.

“The FBI National Academy is an incredible learning opportunity and experience for those selected to attend,” said Chief Jon Sassaman, Corvallis Police Department. “We know Captain Nick Hurley has been immersed in critical thinking and exposed to expert instruction of the highest level. We are extremely proud of Captain Hurley’s accomplishments and his successes while at the Academy. We are excited for his return to Corvallis and continued service.”

During the ten weeks of training, local executive-level law enforcement officers spend most of their time in the classroom. Captain Hurley’s National Academy classes included: a graduate seminar in Media and Managing Law Enforcement Image; Behavioral Analysis as Decision Support in Investigations; Leadership, Wellness, and Vitality; and Leading through a Crisis. The program allows participants the opportunity to earn college credits through the University of Virginia for some of those studies.

Each year, the FBI sponsors four sessions of the National Academy. Each session includes about 220 local law enforcement officers from throughout the United States and around the world. While in the academy, the officers and deputies live in a dorm-like setting. The FBI does not charge U.S. students for tuition, books, equipment, meals, lodging, or travel to and from their home.