Greenwood Police Chief Keith A. Jackson, along with 259 other law enforcement executives, graduated from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia on June 18.

Previous to leaving for the academy Jackson stated, "Attending the FBI Academy has always been one of my career goals. Besides the academics and physical training, another positive you gain from the academy is the opportunity to network with other law enforcement executives from the country and around the world." The 241st Session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 49 states. Included in the class were members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 25 international countries, four military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 10 weeks of advanced leadership, investigative, management, and fitness training for selected offices having proven records as professionals. Less than 1/2 of 1% of law enforcement officers in the United States are selected to attend the National Academy program. A total of 43,743 graduates now represent the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. Of this number, approximately 26,231 are still active in law enforcement work.

FBI Director Robert Mueller, was the principal speaker at the ceremony and personally handed Chief Jackson his diploma as he crossed the stage of the FBI Academy auditorium Friday morning. 

Training for the program was provided by FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents, and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise.

Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia due to the accreditation by the university of the many courses offered.

Chief Jackson also earned a “Yellow Brick” while at the academy. Anyone who’s attended the National Academy knows all about the “Yellow Brick Road,” the final (but optional) test of the fitness challenge. It consists of a 6.1-mile grueling run through a hilly, wooded trail built by the Marines. Along the way, the participants must climb over walls, run through creeks, jump through simulated windows, scale rock faces with ropes, crawl under barbed wire in muddy water, maneuver across a cargo net, and more. When (and if) the students complete this difficult test, they receive an actual yellow brick to memorialize their achievement. The course came to be known as the “Yellow Brick Road” years ago, after the Marines placed yellow bricks at various spots to show runners the way through the wooded trail.

Chief Jackson was appointed police chief in December 2004. Prior to his appointment as the Greenwood police chief, he served with N. Little Rock and Jacksonville, Arkansas police departments.