To help support partner relationships, the FBI offers National Academy training, a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities. The 10-week program—which provides coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science—serves to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide.

Two hundred and thirty-eight law enforcement officers graduated recently from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The 286th 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 25 countries, five military organizations, and six federal civilian organizations.

Locally, graduates of the class include officers from three FBI Springfield partner agencies in the Illinois counties of Madison, Henry, and Clinton.

• Tony Manley – Deputy Chief, Maryville Police Department
• Kondon (Gene) Karzin – Deputy Chief, Geneseo Police Department
• Mark Pingsterhaus – Chief, Carlyle Police Department

“The FBI’s National Academy helps build strong partnerships that are crucial to everything we do,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “Graduates return to their agencies with new knowledge and new friendships that forge lifelong connections and enhance our ability to keep communities safe when threats arise.”

FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits all the National Academy courses offered.

A total of 54,366 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since its inception in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.

More information about the FBI’s National Academy can be found online.