GRANITE CITY — Granite City Police Department Lt. Nick Roberts was among 265 law enforcement officers who graduated Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., after completing advanced training designed for experienced law enforcement professionals.
The 299th session of the National Academy included men and women from 44 states and the District of Columbia, along with 29 international law enforcement members from 28 countries, five military organizations and four federal civilian organizations.
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The FBI National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, officers attending the academy have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
FBI Director Kashyap P. Patel delivered remarks at the graduation ceremony. Class spokesperson Darnel Robinson of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., represented the graduating officers.
Training is provided by FBI Academy instructors, special agents and other staff with advanced degrees. Many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields.
Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits all National Academy courses offered.
A total of 57,461 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains new special agents and intelligence analysts.
