Montrose, CO – Implementing the latest in law enforcement practices and public safety techniques, and building an even stronger relationship between the Montrose Police Department and the citizens it serves, is the core focus of Police Commander Blaine Hall as he returns to his post following some of the most sophisticated law enforcement training in the world.
Hall recently returned from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy, held each year on a United States Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia.
The ten-week training "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," according to the FBI National Academy website.
Only a select number of officers attend the FBI's National Academy every year, and the state of Colorado is given just four slots per session. Hall immersed himself in the program from July 9 through Sept. 13, living in a dormitory located on the grounds of the FBI training facility. Participation in the academy is by invitation only and attendees are drawn from every U.S. state and territory as well as from international partners.
"The training was top-notch and consisted of classes teaching current law enforcement best practices in managing public safety crises, promoting law enforcement community relations, and networking and relationship building with law enforcement leaders around the country," Hall said.
Graduates of the program go on to hold key positions in law enforcement agencies all over the world. Approximately 220 officers take part in classroom and field exercises taught by FBI instructors. According to Hall, the instructors represent some of the best minds in law enforcement, forensics, and community relations.
In addition to the physical training and classroom work, the academy is an opportunity for officers from across the country to network, share ideas, and better themselves as law enforcement officers.
"Throughout the entire experience, it was the relationships I made both with the FBI and other law enforcement leaders that was most valuable," Hall said. "I know these relationships will prove useful in the future as best practices in public safety change."
According to the FBI, the National Academy began July 29, 1935, and was created after a recommendation by the Wickersham Commission, which stated special education should be created for "the standardization and professionalization of law enforcement departments across the U.S. through centralized training."
Hall said Thursday he looks forward to integrating the training he received into the day-to-day operations of the Montrose Police Department.
"I would like to thank Chief of Police Tom Chinn and City Manager Bill Bell for allowing me the opportunity to attend this fantastic school," Hall added.
Previous Montrose Police Department graduates include the department's current chief of police, Tom Chinn and commander Gene Lillard.
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