Campus Police Detective Completes FBI National Academy

University of Mississippi Police Det. Lt. Jeremy Cook was among some of law enforcement’s “best and brightest” in the world who graduated recently from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy program in Quantico, Virginia. 
He was among 224 officers from 48 states, 22 countries, five military organizations and six federal civilian organizations. Cook said he enjoyed getting to know law enforcement officers from around the world, and he learned from them daily.
In addition to the classroom training, he learned from other officers through sometimes uncomfortable, but needed, discussions about race, politics, gender and other issues, Cook said. 
“I learned a lot about being a leader in law enforcement and how we are portrayed in the media and how we, as law enforcement, can make that relationship better,” he said. “I also learned a lot about myself as far as what my personality type is and how I can be lead.
“Everyone at the academy, from instructors to officers, were respectful and always showed that they cared about you.” 
The National Academy program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. These officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive level positions.
The FBI Academy instructional staff, special agents and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of who are recognized internationally in their fields, provide the training at the academy. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia due to accreditation by the university of the many courses offered.
Some 50,365 graduates represent the alumni of the FBI National Academy, which began in 1935.
Cook, who earned a degree in exercise science from Ole Miss in 2008, has been a member of UPD for eight years. Completing the academy has been one of his goals for a few years, and Cook hopes to use some of the tools he learned there to be a better leader, coworker and communicator.
He also wants to foster relationships across campus with students, faculty and staff through events and gatherings. 
“I was fortunate to get the opportunity to go and I am forever indebted to the University of Mississippi Police Department for trusting in me to be a representative of the department,” Cook said. “It was the opportunity of a lifetime, and I hope a lot of my colleagues get the same experience I received.” 
UPD Chief Tim Potts said it’s an honor to be selected for the academy with some of law enforcement’s “best and brightest” from around the world. 
“The National Academy is responsible for training the future leaders in our profession, and we are excited and thrilled that Lt. Cook represented the University of Mississippi and UPD so well at the academy,” Potts said. “We are looking forward to Jeremy being able to share his experiences with his fellow officers and the university community.”
Ray Hawkins, UPD assistant police chief, added, “I am extremely proud of Jeremy for distinguishing himself as a law enforcement professional and making the sacrifice of time and effort that will make him a better leader and UPD a better organization.”

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By Michael Newsom
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