PALM BAY, Florida —Palm Bay Police
Lieutenant Steve Bland has successfully completed an intensive 10-week
session of specialized training at the FBI National Academy in Quantico,
Virginia.
Lt. Bland becomes the ninth member
of the Palm Bay Police Department to graduate from the elite training
course that is only offered to the world’s top law enforcement officers
by invitation only. Lt. Bland was part of the 251st session
of the academy.
As an FBI National Academy
graduate, he enters into a select group made up of less than one
percent of the nation’s law enforcement officers. They were hand-picked
by their departments and, along with about 250 other officers, completed
the 10-week course, which began on September 30th,
at the FBI training facility. The course included instruction in law,
behavioral science, forensic science, understanding terrorism/terrorist
mindsets, leadership development, communication, and health/fitness.
“I’m honored to have been a part of this program
and proud to have represented this department,” said Lt. Bland. “This
type of focused training is so beneficial and will help us raise the
level of professionalism in everything we do here and I’m thankful to
have been a part of it.”
Lt. Bland is a 16-year
veteran of the department. During his tenure he has served in patrol,
investigations, field training officer, youth services and special
investigations. Bland is currently assigned as a
lieutenant supervising the Special Victims Unit, Youth Services, Major
Case Unit, Special Investigations Unit, Crime Scene Unit, and also
serves as watch commander and SWAT commander. In addition to the FBI
National Academy course, he also completed training
for Certified Public Manager, Florida Leadership Academy and the
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Middle Management and Tactical
Leadership Commander. He is currently attending Columbia College at
Patrick Air Force Base pursuing the completion of a degree
in criminal justice.
“I believe Lt. Bland is an example of what we all
strive for and that is always reaching higher to do better,” said Chief
Doug Muldoon. “To have been selected and have successfully completed
this level of training says a lot about him
and his dedication, not only to serve but to go above and beyond.”
The
FBI 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, from U.S.
territories, and from over 170 partner nations. Police officers who
attend the Academy return to their communities better prepared to meet
criminal challenges.
The
overall goal of the Academy is to support, promote, and enhance the
personal and professional development of law enforcement leaders by
preparing
them for complex, dynamic, and contemporary challenges through
innovative techniques, facilitating excellence in education and
research, and forging partnerships throughout the world.
The
Academy was created in 1935 with 23 students in the first class. It has
grown over the years to the current enrollment of over 1,000 students
a year. The FBI National Academy is one of the premier law enforcement
academies in the world.