Captain Sherri Meisel, Eugene Police Department, recently completed one of the toughest challenges available to local law enforcement officers: the FBI National Academy. In mid-March, Capt Meisel 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 Capt Meisel and our other local partners in the National Academy."

Capt Meisel began her law enforcement career in 1997 as a patrol officer for the Detroit Police Department. While there, she worked patrol as an officer, sergeant, and lieutenant. As a sergeant, she worked homicide investigations. After her promotion to lieutenant, she supervised a homicide squad; was the commanding officer of the Domestic Violence Unit; served as a lieutenant over general investigations; worked in the Risk Management Bureau; and worked on policy for the chief. In 2014, the Eugene Police Department hired Capt Meisel. She has been in charge of Patrol Unit and is now currently the captain over the Investigations Unit.

Capt Meisel earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in public health. She has also completed the Staff and Command School at Eastern Michigan University, and Police Executive Research Forum, Senior Management Institute for Police.

“Attending the FBI National Academy is an honor. The academy has high standards and members are selected to attend,” said Chief Chris Skinner, Eugene Police Department. “Police leadership is challenging and demanding. This training is an exceptional way for our police leaders to learn the latest and best practices of the profession. I'm pleased and proud of Capt Sherri Meisel’s attendance and graduation."

During the ten weeks of training, local executive-level law enforcement officers spend most of their time in the classroom. Capt Meisel’s National Academy classes included: Employment Law Issues for Law Enforcement Executives; Critical Analysis of Present Day Policing; Fitness in Law Enforcement; Behavioral Analysis as Decision-Support; Theory and Application in Law Enforcement Investigations; Advanced Spirituality; Wellness and Vitality Issues in Law Enforcement Practices; and Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement Seminar. 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.