ASSOCIATE Magazine FBINAA Q4-2024

NATIONAL ACADEMY UPDATE

FBINAA.ORG | Q4 2024

Samuel Benson

Leadership Lessons in the NA

L aw enforcement professionals are a community steeped in oral traditions. Since the first professional police department started in New York City in 1844, police officers have been telling stories over coffee and donuts. Second only to preachers, police officers will weave tales of fantasy, exploits and tall tales of epic fights, battles won, friends made, and friends lost to define what it means to be one of us. Stories that we tell and hear are the primary method of how we share our culture, our organizational norms, our expectations, and our goals for creating a better future. Policies and procedures do not create a culture of excellence – it lies in our stories. In keeping with this long tradition, the National Academy instructors have started hosting a storytelling session with the National Academy students to promote the blending of our departments across state and international borders. It is an eve ning spent by the campfire making s’mores, drinking beer and bourbon and telling each other what it means to be us – not just the culture of police officers, but what it means to be a National Academy graduate.

We have heard the story of a teenager who joined the circus and became a police executive, or the officer who had a dream of becoming a dolphin trainer. The individual that dreamt of becoming a police officer from birth and now wants to open their own bakery. When you hear their stories, you realize how diverse our community is and how each person (even the dolphin trainer) approaches leadership and organizational development. The National Academy started in 1935. As we approach our 90th anniversary, what is the story of your session? What will you be known for? Take a moment and share your stories with friends and family.

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