Duane Black Graduates from FBI National Academy Program

Submitted by Laura Gerdes

    Duane Black, the Louisiana Department of Justice’s law enforcement coordinator has graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.  The National Academy is an elite program for which less than 1 percent of the nation’s law enforcement offi­cials are selected to attend.  The 243rd Session of the National Academy consisted of 265 men and women from 50 states.  Included in the class were members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 22 international countries, four military organizations, and seven federal civilian organizations.

    Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 11 weeks of advanced investigative, management, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies.  Black completed courses of instruction in topics including behavioral science, forensic science, law, understanding terrorism and the terrorist mind set, leadership development and communications.  In addition to the rigorous academic component, Black participated in intense physical fitness training which culminated with the 6.1 mile Yellow Brick Road run, trekking through a hilly, wooded trail de­signed by the U.S. Marine Corps.

    At the commencement ceremony, which was attended by Robert Mueller, Director of the FBI, the 243rd class distinguished itself as being the first graduating class having members perform the National Anthem.  Duane Black participated in the quartet performing the bass part.  In addition, Black was voted one of six section representatives, who are traditionally viewed as a section’s spokesperson.

    Black is a 19 year veteran of the Louisiana Attorney General’s office.  His 25 years of law en­forcement began with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. Upon graduation from the Academy, he joined the FBI National Academy Associates, an organization who actively works to continue developing higher level of competency, cooperation and integrity across the law en­forcement community.