BENTON — Lt. Rodney Wright of the Benton Police Department graduated from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Va. The 244th Session of the National Academy consisted of 257 men and women law enforcement officers from 49 states, the District of Columbia and 20 other countries. Included in the class were members of law enforcement agencies from four military organizations and four federal civilian organizations.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 10 weeks of advanced investigative, management and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. On average, these officers have 19 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
Training for the program is provided by FBI Academy instructional staff, special agents and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise. During his term there, Wright was awarded the first-place Physical Fitness Award for weightlifting in his class.
Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate- and graduate-level credits from the University of Virginia as a result of the accreditation by the university of the many courses offered.
FBI Director Robert Mueller was the principal speaker at the graduation ceremony, held March 18. A total of 44,537 graduates now represent the FBI National Academy since it began in July 1935. Of this number, approximately 27,025 are still active in law enforcement work, including four who work for the Benton Police Department.