Captain David Odle has recently graduated from the 253rd Session of the FBI National Academy. The National Academy is a professional course of study involving graduate and undergraduate level courses designed for U.S. and international law enforcement leaders. The National Academy is dedicated to the improvement of law enforcement standards and has long been a benchmark for professional continuing education. Participants are drawn from every state in the union and over 150 partner nations. A wide range of courses were presented during the 10 week course of study that concluded on June 14th at the FBI training facility in Quantico, Virginia.

These courses included behavioral science, investigative interviewing, law enforcement leadership, behavior and mindset of violent street gangs, management of death investigations and fitness in law enforcement. The courses are designed to support, promote and enhance the professional development of law enforcement leaders by facilitating excellence in education and forging partnerships throughout the world. In addition to the class instruction, the students had the opportunity to listen to presentations given by leaders from across the country. This allowed the students to gain insight into the best practices in leadership and management of law enforcement personnel. The physical challenges at the academy were just as demanding as the academic ones. Students were required to participate in physical training on an almost daily basis. This training consisted of circuit and weight training along with increasingly longer runs. The final test was a 6.1 mile run and obstacle course built in the woods on the base.

Captain Odle brings back to the Liberal Police Department and the City of Liberal a wide range of innovative techniques and leadership principles that can greatly enhance the overall performance of the police department, and will allow the department to better serve the community.

It is the intention of the Liberal Police Department to promote and develop the career advancement of its members, including upper management. We are fortunate that Captain Odle was selected by the FBI to attend this training, since only a few are given this opportunity. To be selected by the FBI is the pinnacle of an officer’s career.