On March 15, 197 law enforcement officers graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. This session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 47 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 23 countries, four military organizations, and five federal civilian organizations.

Since its founding in 1935, a total of 54,960 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, which recommended 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.