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.