SPPD Sgt. Ryan Smith graduates from FBI National Academy
February 22, 2012
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Police Department
When SPPD Sgt. Ryan Smith graduated from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia, it marked the end of training and the beginning of friendships and professional contacts that will last a lifetime.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the academy offers 11 weeks of advanced investigative, management, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. On average, these officers have 19 years of law enforcement experience and training helps prepare them to serve in executive level positions.
Smith’s own experience was half of the academy’s average: he joined the SPPD in 2004, a career “I’d had an interest in since I was a kid.... I always knew I wanted to be involved in some sort of public safety.” About three years ago, shortly after his promotion to sergeant, Smith asked Chief Steve MacKinnon, also an FBI graduate, about the academy.
“I had researched it and there was lots of positive responses from people who had attended. The chief had told me of his positive experiences and it was something I decided I wanted to pursue. The chief was fully supportive,” and Smith said the lengthy process leading to acceptance to the academy - which pays all tuition and room and board for members - was launched.
Held four times annually, the academy accepts a limited amount of candidates for training. Smith’s own class, the 247th Session, had 266 members from 49 states, 25 international countries, three military organizations and six federal civilian organizations.
“I knew they’re be a lot of academics,” as the academy is accredited by the University of Virginia. Smith and his classmates were housed in dormitories and attended class each day from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Their teachers were academy instructional staff, special agents, and other staffers holding advanced degrees, and many are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise. But Smith said classmates also learned from each other’s policing experiences.
“What surprised me was that challenges in other countries are essentially the same.... Countries in turmoil, those with political unrest, still have the basic problems, the same core problems” such as drunk drivers and other criminal issues “that we have.”
A majority of those in Smith’s class were command staff, including some police chiefs. “I was on the younger end of it,” said the 29-year-old Smith. “There was one guy younger than me from Mexico.”
A total of 45,297 officers have graduated from the academy, founded in July 1935. More than half are still active in law enforcement.
Smith said his experience “most definitely not only met my expectations but actually exceeded them... you take away a lot of good education, a lot of great things to bring back to the city and the community. I made friends that will last a lifetime,” and forged professional contacts that are “invaluable... I can pick up the phone and call anybody in my class with a question and they’ll give me - or find me - the answer. One thing you take away is that global network, and it was also interesting to see how police throughout the nation and world handle their diverse challenges.”
The “highlight of the training was the people I met, consummate professions, phenomenal people. The knowledge I gained from them is a benefit not only to myself, but also to the city of Santa Paula.”
Seminars were staged by the New York and Pennsylvania Police departments: “They take you to their city and show different aspects of policing, what they are dealing with... New York PD has about 40,000 cops, more officers than the entire population of Santa Paula. And of course they were great hosts that really took care of us and showed us the sights.”
Smith’s family and fiancée Leanna Gerritsen attended his December 16 graduation, where FBI Director Robert Mueller was the principal speaker.
Now, back at the SPPD, Smith has returned to what he likes about police work: “You never know what’s next, there’s always that challenge. And even though day in and day out you’re dealing with a lot of the same problems, when you have the opportunity to make a genuine difference in somebody’s life it’s extremely rewarding... it’s hard to put into words.”
A challenge is, “No matter what you do, how hard you work, it’s unfortunate that sometimes outside source,” without information or insight into policing, “are quick to judge.”
Smith still lives with one of his best friends - Rex, his K9 partner for about five years. Although “I had a great time” as a handler, Smith believes it was time to pass the leash to other officers.
“We’re a smaller department, and if one person stays in an assignment too long” it prevents others from the duty training and experience. “Now, we have three new handlers.”
Rex is 13 years old, “but he’s good, he’s still kicking... he still tries to go to work with me, but he’s calmed down. He’s living the life, probably laying down on his dog bed as we speak... dreaming about work.”
