NEWBURYPORT 一 City Marshal Mark Murray and the Newburyport Police Department are pleased to announce that Lt. Matthew Simons has graduated from the FBI National Academy.
The Academy, internationally known for its academic excellence, offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, psychology, forensic and behavioral science, and fitness training. Participation is granted through nomination and invitation only.
Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields and possess advanced degrees, provide the training.
Simons joined the Newburyport Police Department in September 2002. Lt. Simons was promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant in 2016. Lt. Simons received his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2018, and his Master’s degree in Executive Leadership in 2020.
Lt. Simons was among the 254 law enforcement officers who graduated from the 282nd Academy session on June 9. The class consisted of men and women from 47 states and the District of Columbia, and included members of law enforcement agencies from 37 countries, four military organizations, and nine federal and civilian agencies.
FBI Director Christopher Wray delivered remarks at the ceremony.
The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, Va., the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.
About the FBI National Academy
The FBI National Academy was created on July 29, 1935, with 23 students in attendance. The program began in response to a 1930 study by the Wickersham Commission, which recommended the standardization and professionalization of the law enforcement departments across the U.S. through centralized training. With strong support from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and with the authority of Congress and the Department of Justice, the “FBI Police Training School” was created. Courses at that time included scientific aids in crime detection, preparation of reports, criminal investigation techniques, and administration and organization. With the advent of World War II, courses were added in espionage and sabotage. More than 52,700 law enforcement professionals have graduated from the FBI National Academy.
