Yuba County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Brandon Spear recently graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, completing the program’s 297th session on March 18. Photo courtesy of Yuba County Sheriff’s Office.

YUBA COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Yuba County Sheriff’s Office is recognizing Capt. Brandon Spear following his graduation from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Spear completed the 297th session of the academy, graduating March 18. The program is considered one of the most prestigious professional development opportunities in law enforcement, with fewer than 1% of officers selected nationwide to attend.

The National Academy provides 10 weeks of advanced training in leadership, communication and physical fitness. Participants are typically experienced officers with established records of service; on average, attendees have more than two decades of law enforcement experience and often go on to serve in executive leadership roles within their agencies.

The 297th session included 253 law enforcement officers representing 48 states, the District of Columbia and 24 countries, as well as members of military and federal civilian organizations. Courses at the academy are taught by FBI instructors, special agents and other experts, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, participants have also been eligible to earn undergraduate and graduate-level credits through the University of Virginia, which accredits the program.

Since its founding in 1935, more than 56,000 law enforcement professionals have graduated from the FBI National Academy, which is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico.