Lieutenant Michael Richardson of the UT Police Department graduated on December 15 from the 270th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for US and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency directors because of demonstrated leadership qualities. This session was attended by 222 men and women from law enforcement agencies, military organizations, and federal civilian organizations. They represented 49 states, the District of Columbia, and 20 foreign countries.
During the 11-week program, Richardson attended courses in counterterrorism, contemporary issues in police and media relations, drug enforcement strategies, leadership, and fitness.
“The training also provided a great opportunity to network with agencies from across the United States as well as internationally,” Richardson said. “I feel this was the strongest aspect of the experience and can be invaluable in the role of law enforcement and being able to serve the university community.”
Richardson is the fourth UTPD official to attend the FBI Academy in recent years. Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Safety and UTPD Chief Troy Lane attended the 212th session in 2003. Lieutenant Donovan Ross and Assistant Chief Keith Lambert have also attended.
President Donald Trump attended the academy graduation. It was only the fifth time a president has attended the ceremony since the first session in 1935. The last president to attend a graduation was Richard Nixon in 1972.