Preparing law enforcement leaders: the FBI Academy's Leadership Fellows Program

FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin,The, July, 2005 by Scott L. Salley

How do law enforcement agencies prepare their command staff members for the challenges that will confront them as they assume additional responsibilities? While no magic formula exists, there is a method to expedite the problem-solving experience that will help mold these individuals into successful leaders. To this end, chiefs, sheriffs, and senior agents should consider the FBI Academy's Leadership Fellows Program located in Quantico, Virginia.

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Program Overview

Started in 2000 and supervised by the Leadership Development Institute (LDI), (1) this 1-year program serves to enhance the leadership skills of individuals in command-level positions and broaden their exposure to both the domestic and international law enforcement communities. Fellows spend 6 months at the academy and the remaining 6 at their respective agencies or at Quantico for additional research and study.

What separates this program from others that emphasize leadership development? First of all, participants find that living at the academy while interacting with the staff, FBI National Academy (NA) students, and new agent trainees and experiencing a wide selection of training with law enforcement members from around the world provide tremendous value. Additionally, the close proximity to Washington, D.C., offers access to an enormous selection of resources, including museums, federal law enforcement agencies, historic sites, government institutions, and seemingly endless educational opportunities.

Also important is the program's "trilogy"; participants complete these three components at the end of the fellowship. One, the individual works on projects for the FBI, such as instructing certain classes, organizing training sessions, assisting academy staff with a variety of tasks, and teaching overseas at the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Budapest, Hungary.

Two, the participant conducts a research project for the sponsoring agency that brings immediate value to the training. For the assignment, the department head identifies a need for the agency; in addressing this, the fellow has some of the best resources in the world available. The department, the FBI, and the individual all derive substantial benefit from this study.

Three, the participant follows a personal development path, or a list of goals with anticipated outcomes. These could include earning a "yellow brick" (2) for physical improvement with the FBI NA, reading a certain number of books pertaining to management topics, learning new computer skills, devising a personal or agency wellness plan, or attending leadership development training, such as the Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (LEEDS).

Application Process

Interested officers must understand the time and dedication the fellowship demands. The program involves a partnership between the applicant, immediate family members, the head of the sponsoring agency, and the FBI Academy. Sometimes, this also includes friends, other relatives, and the community where the fellow resides. Support from all affected parties is needed, and a signed statement by the department head constitutes one of the requirements for admission. While making this important decision, individuals can gain additional information about the program and its advantages by contacting the FBI Academy and talking with any of the current fellows or obtaining a list of alumni and communicating with former participants.

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For consideration, prospective fellows submit a completed application (3) to LDI. Each becomes rated on a point system based on several factors, such as law enforcement experience, community involvement, education, and position. Also required as part of the package is supporting documentation, such as newspaper articles and transcripts--the more the applicant includes, the better the chances for acceptance. Organization and clarity help ensure an effective overall presentation.

Prospects can call the program manager regarding status for approximately 30 days after submission of an application. Upon acceptance, individuals will receive a formal letter from the FBI; the agency head also will get a copy. Then, the tasks of scheduling and preparing for this 1-year journey begin.

Outcome Achieved

Fellows will share many of the same experiences and educational benefits, but each also will take away something different. Largely, this is determined by individual choice. For example, one participant may travel to Europe to instruct at ILEA, while another may assist with a presentation at one of the regional command colleges in the United States. Fellows will find a lot of flexibility for optimizing their involvement in the program.

How does participation in the fellowship benefit the sponsoring agency? Its command-level personnel enjoy enrichment through the interaction with the course material, instructors, and students; strengthening of their organizational skills; enhanced networking, through which they gain valuable relationships that will aid them upon their return to duty; and improved confidence, experience, and professionalism.