Issaquah Police Commander Scott Behrbaum was recently invited to attend the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy 241st Session this spring in Quantico, Virginia.

The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study that trains law enforcement professionals from around the world in improving management skills, standards and cooperation.

“Attending the National Academy is an once-in-a-lifetime experience for Commander Behrbaum,” said Issaquah Police Chief Paul Ayers. “The skills and knowledge he will bring back to Issaquah will be extremely beneficial for our community. I am also very thankful for the help and support of the FBI, as well as the FBI Seattle Division Office, which sponsored Commander Behrbaum as a candidate.”

According to the city press release, Behrbaum and 250 other officers from around the world will attend the secluded campus on the FBI’s training facility outside of Washington D.C. for undergraduate and graduate-level instruction. The courses in leadership and specialized training include counterterrorism, cyber crime and behavioral analysis.

National Academy participants are selected from every state in the union, as well as U.S. territories and more than 150 international nations. Less than one percent of police officers in the country are accepted after a nomination process and comprehensive background check are completed.

Two current members of the Issaquah Police Department are also graduates of the National Academy. Ayers graduated from the 171st Session in 1992 and Deputy Chief Steve Cozart graduated from the 222nd session in 2005.