FBINAA JULYAUG MAG.2018

www.fbinaa.org

J U LY 2 0 1 8 A U G

MEET CHIEF JOHNNIE ADAMS , FBINAA’S NEW PRESIDENT

Associate Magazine: Tell us why you first decided to take a leadership role at the FBINAA and how your involvement with the organization grew?

Associate Magazine: How do you see the FBINAA further collaborating with not only federal, state and local agencies but also reaching out to the private sector?

JOHNNIE: After graduating from the National Academy, several of my Session mates persuaded me to attend the California re-trainer in Squaw Creek. It was at this re-trainer that I saw the true value of the National Academy Associates and the strength of its network. The friendships forged during this re-trainer led me to run for the California Board and subsequently my complete involvement as the Chair of the 2011 National Conference in Long Beach. To say I drank the Kool-aid is an understatement as I ran for the National Board and was honored to be selected to represent Section 1 and the National Organization.

JOHNNIE: I have spoken with several organizations including IACP, Noble, NSA, IACLEA, and LEEDA to name a few and our dialogue has been positive. Working with the other associations to promote common goals will help our members and profession. There are opportunities to obtain Grant funding in many of the areas I have discussed. Our partnership with Motorola is an example of that with the Wellness grant. We need to continue to cultivate and enrich our bond with all of our partners, both public and private in order to promote positive change. I like to quote JohnWooden and he said,“Failure is not fatal, but failure to changemight be.”

Associate Magazine: As you start your 12-month term, are there some specific initiatives you are planning to pursue?

Associate Magazine: What do you think it is about the FBINAA that keeps it so relevant within the law enforcement community?

JOHNNIE: I can break them down into (4) categories, Training, Officer Wellness, Decency, and Community Engagement. Training is the cornerstone of our Association. The National Academy Associates continue to dedicate our resources to promote the highest degree of expertise and leadership training to law enforcement executives around the world. This year is no different as we strive to get better every year. Suicides in our profession continue to rise. According to the Ruderman Family Foundation/the International Journal of Emergency Mental Health 35% of police officers experience PTSD compared to the general population at 6.8%. Officers are also more likely to have signs of depression over the general population by 5.2%. This is unacceptable and we will continue to focus efforts in our Officer Safety and Wellness committee to train resiliency counselors for those in need. “Decency.” It is such a simple term – behavior that conforms to accepted standards of morality or respectability. Immediate Past President Scott Dumas said, “Why can’t we just be decent to each other.” This was said as we talked about the troubles in the world and that decency could solve many problems if we did just that. It is said that law enforcement is the noblest of all professions. I truly believe in that statement. So often the bad is reported over the good in the world and I know that we do good every day. Promote that, take advantage of the power of social media. When your Department does something good, record it and #DecencyFBINAA. Finally, Community Engagement. All of us engage with our community in some form or fashion. We need to market the brand of the National Academy so that our communities can see the good that comes from our members every day. Our network is strong and we need to leverage this to change the perception that some in our communities have with law enforcement.

JOHNNIE: All of our graduates had to initially apply to go to the academy and as part of that process; a nominee has to possess the following qualities: Exhibit an interest in law enforcement as a public service, a seriousness of purpose, qualities of leadership and enjoy the confidence and respect of fellow officers. The FBI is training some of the finest law enforcement officers around the world and once they graduate, become part of this great association. This constant influx and infusion of bright minds help to keep our purpose andmission current and relevant.

Associate Magazine: As a membership organization, what is the distinct thing about the FBINAA that makes law enforcement executives want to dedicate and volunteer their time?

JOHNNIE: I believe it is the shared experience of the FBI National Academy. When you live with and associate with your peers for 10 weeks there is a transformative aspect of the NA that is unique from other organizations. Working with people with great leadership skill and vision is contagious and helps to improve every aspect of your career and life.

Associate Magazine: Congratulations on being named president of the FBINAA; it has to a great honor to be chosen to lead the organization.

JOHNNIE: It is, I am humbled and honored to be the president. With so many leaders as your peers it only motivates me to try my best to improve our organization. I hope that by the end of the year, my peers will say that I did a good job.

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