Lt. Clint Uselton of the East Ridge Police Department is among 255 law enforcement executives from around the world to graduate this month from the 276th session of the FBI National Academy.
Less than 1% of all law enforcement officers in the world are selected to attend, according to a news release.
"The National Academy is seen by most police officers as kind of the premier training," said Uselton.
To apply, officers must first be nominated by the chief of their law enforcement agency for demonstrating leadership qualities.
Some participants Uselton spoke with during the course had been on a wait list to attend for five years.
The 10-week program includes coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science.
"It's genuinely great training from some of the best instructors you could hope to learn from," Uselton said.
Another major benefit is the opportunity to network with other participants, which include officers with a wide range of experience from departments of a variety of sizes in different parts of the nation and from 35 countries across the world. Now, Uselton said, he has more people he can call on and use as resources when faced with situations in which they have more experience.
He is also now eligible to attend annual continuing education courses offered by the academy.
Uselton has been with the East Ridge Police Department since 1999 and currently oversees the day and night shifts as patrol commander.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.