Zachary Police Department Assistant Chief of Police, Darryl Lawrence, along with two hundred and twenty-one other law enforcement officers, graduated from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia on December 15, 2017. The 270th Session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 49 states. Included in the class are members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 20 international countries, three military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations.

 

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers eleven weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

 

FBI Director Christopher Asher Wray was the principal speaker at the ceremony.

 

Training for the program is provided by the FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents, and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise. 

 

Since 1972, National Academy of students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia due to the accreditation by the university of the many courses offered. The graduating officers were represented by the class spokesperson, Craig Wiles, Drug Enforcement Administration, New Orleans, Louisiana. A total of 50,587 graduates now represent the alumni of the FBI National Academy since