SACRAMENTO—The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Sacramento Field Office congratulates four local law enforcement professionals on their graduation from FBI National Academy Session #288. Each of the following graduates represents a law enforcement agency based within the 34-county region the FBI Sacramento Field Office serves:  

• Undersheriff Rachelle Whiting, Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office 
• Chief Eric Charlick, California Department of Insurance 
• Captain Mayo Banuelos, California Highway Patrol Golden Gate Division 
• Captain Bryce Heinlein, Sacramento Police Department

The FBI National Academy welcomes more than 200 law enforcement professionals to the FBI training facility in Quantico, Virginia, for each session. Students represent local, county, tribal, state, military, and federal law enforcement agencies from the United States and more than 150 partner nations. Courses during the rigorous, 11-week program include intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science. Students and their respective law enforcement agencies receive tuition, books, equipment, meals, lodging, and travel to and from the training facility at no cost. 

FBI National Academy Session #288 hosted students representing law enforcement agencies in 45 states and the District of Columbia, 24 countries, four military organizations, and six federal civilian organizations. Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 11 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 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions. 
 
Since its founding in 1935, a total of 54,763 law enforcement professionals have graduated the FBI National Academy. The program originally launched as the “FBI Police Training School” in response to the 1930 Wickersham Commission Report recommending standardization and professionalization of law enforcement in the United States though centralized training. At the time, courses included scientific aids in crime detection, preparation of reports, and criminal investigation techniques as well as administration and organization.  

The goals of the modern FBI National Academy include improving administration of justice in police departments and agencies both at home and abroad and raising law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide.  

Following graduation, each officer may join the FBI National Academy Associates, Inc., a dynamic organization of more than 14,000 law enforcement professionals who continue improving the level of competency, cooperation, and integrity among the global law enforcement community. 

To learn more about the FBI National Academy and the nomination process for students, visit https://www.fbi.gov/services/training-academy/national-academy.