Capt. Larry Seymour recently completed one of the toughest challenges available for local law enforcement officers: the FBI National Academy. In early June, Capt. Seymour and two other Oregon law enforcement officers completed the ten-week training session at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

There is a highly competitive process that local law enforcement officers must go through before being selected for this honor. That process includes a nomination by a supervisor; interviews of 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.

“Only a few law enforcement officers from Oregon have the chance to attend the National Academy each year,” said Loren Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. “The exceptional leaders selected to participate have a great opportunity to share their experiences with peers and to learn best practices from officers from across the country and the world.”

Capt. Seymour started his law enforcement career as a volunteer reserve officer with Molalla Police Department. Shortly thereafter, the Prineville Police Department hired him as a certified officer, and he has served in Prineville for 13 years. Over his career, Capt. Seymour has served as a Field Training Officer (FTO), a Narcotics K-9 Handler, Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT) member, Narcotics Detective and Sergeant. In January 2016, the department promoted him to the rank of Captain. In his current position, Capt. Seymour serves as operations manager for all functions of the department, and he reports to Chief Cummins. He is a certified trainer in Firearms and Active Threats.

Through the course of his time at the Prineville Police Department, Capt. Seymour attained his Associates Degree and his Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia Southern University.

“The FBI National Academy is the premier executive leadership academy for law enforcement executives,” said Chief Dale Cummins. “Captain Seymour, through dedication and hard work, earned a nomination and had the privilege to attend. The classes, contacts, and experiences he has had will make him a true asset to our department and our community. I look forward to his return to work where he can share his knowledge with our staff.”

During the ten weeks of training, local executive-level law enforcement officers spend most of their time in the classroom. Capt. Seymour took a number of courses, including: “Behavioral Science for Law Enforcement Leaders,” “Fitness in Law Enforcement,” “Overview of Forensic Science for Police Administrators and Managers,” “Legal Issues Impacting Law Enforcement Operations,” “Emotional Intelligence,” “Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement” and the “National Academy Networking and Enrichment” course. The FBI’s National Academy program allows the participants the opportunity to earn college credits through the University of Virginia for some of their studies. In addition to the classroom work, participants have physical training courses and activities.

Each year, the FBI sponsors four sessions of the National Academy. Capt. Seymour graduated from the 268th session of the National Academy. Each session includes about 220 local law enforcement officers from around the United States as well as from 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.