Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, 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 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 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 will be represented by the class spokesperson, Thomas Tuggle, Captain, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Pearl, Mississippi.  A total of 48,336 graduates now represent the alumni of the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935.  Staff Sergeant Cullen will join other Sheriff’s Office National Academy graduates; Sheriff J. T. “Pancho Chumley, Deputy Chief Donna Turner, Captain Shannon Beasley and Corporal Eddie Walker. 

“I congratulate Staff Sergeant Cullen on this tremendous career achievement. It is a sacrifice for him and his family during the 10 week training; however the training received at the FBI National Academy is invaluable to local agencies. I appreciate the continued opportunity granted by the FBI in allowing local agencies to send future leaders to this prestigious training”