White Lake Police Officer Graduates from FBI National Academy

In early January, Lt. Adam Kline packed his bags, said goodbye to his family and took off for the FBI National Academy in Virginia. Kline returned to White Lake on March 15 after graduating from the 10 week course, bringing back a wealth of knowledge.

Kline is one of only two officers to in White Lake Police history to attend the FBI National Academy, the other being Police Chief Edward Harris.

"The hardest part was being away from my family," Kline said of his experience. "But, I really like the program. The education was top-notch and it was great to talk with officers from other departments across America, and officers from other countries about different scenarios and the different ways we handle them."

In Kline's session, the 248th, there were members of Washington D.C. law enforcement, officers from 28 international countries, officers from three military organizations and attendees from five federal civilian organizations.

"During his time at the National Academy, Kline endured a rigorous academic schedule, attending management and leadership classes five days a week," Harris said. "He was also subject to an excruciating physical fitness program that built up to and culminated in a six-plus mile obstacle course and run known as 'The Yellow Brick Road.'"

In order to attend the academy, an officer must be nominated. Kline, who was nominated by Harris, then went through a background check process and interview before being selected as one of only six attendees from the state of Michigan.

"It was a great experience," Kline said. "I took 12 graduate level classes through the University of Virginia and got to meet some really interesting people. I think the experience will translate well and I'll be able to bring a lot of what I learned back to the White Lake Police Department."

Those things, Kline said, include better use of technology and social media, and departmental leadership.

"The training and experiences that Kline brings back to the White Lake Police Department are invaluable and second to none," Harris said. "He's been exposed to law enforcement professionals from around the globe. His membership in this elite group provides contacts that he can reach out to for information and insight into the many challenges as well as daily operational issues that are sure to rise."