BCAT News

Even when you make it to the top of your department, the learning continues.

Burlington Police Chief Thomas P. Browne holds a yellow brick he received upon graduating from the FBI National Academy in March. Graduates receive a brick from the “Yellow Brick Road” — a grueling 6.1-mile long challenge course, built by U.S. Marines, that academy graduates must complete as their final fitness challenge. (Photo Courtesy Burlington Police Department)

The Burlington Police Department reports that Chief Thomas P. Browne was among approximately 200 graduates of the prestigious FBI National Academy earlier this year.

Chief Browne was a participant in the 281st Class of the FBI National Academy, an invitation-only training and education program held annually at the FBI training facility in Quantico, Virginia.

“Known internationally for its academic excellence, the FBI National Academy’s rigorous 11-week program demonstrates advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training for selected officers,” a release from the department states. “Participation is granted through nomination and invitation only.”

The course 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.

“Fewer than one percent of law enforcement officers in the world attend this esteemed program,” the release states. “Following graduation, each officer has the opportunity to join the FBI National Academy Associates, a dynamic organization of more than 15,000 law enforcement professionals who actively work to continue developing higher levels of competency, cooperation and integrity across the law enforcement community.”

Chief Browne graduated on March 17. Retired Police Chief Michael Kent, retired Deputy Chief Thomas Duffy, and Capt. Gregory Skehan have also graduated from the program.

The FBI National Academy was created on July 29, 1935, with 23 students in attendance. The program began in response to a 1930 study by the Wickersham Commission, which recommended the standardization and professionalization of the law enforcement departments across the U.S. through centralized training. With strong support from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and with the authority of Congress and the Department of Justice, the “FBI Police Training School” was born. Courses at that time included scientific aids in crime detection, preparation of reports, criminal investigation techniques, and administration and organization. With the advent of World War II, courses were added in espionage and sabotage. More than 52,700 law enforcement professionals graduated the FBI National Academy.