GTPD, Township Officials Proud of Deputy Chief

Gloucester Township Police Deputy Chief David Harkins graduated from the 247th session of the prestigious FBI National Academy on Dec. 16.

Harkins headed to FBI headquarters in Quantico, VA, in early October for the intensive, 11-week training program. 

Chief W. Harry Earle, also a graduate of the exclusive law-enforcement executive training program, was there to witness the 266-member commencement ceremony that included Harkins.

"It was just remarkable to see the respect that the other police leaders had for him," Earle said of Harkins following Wednesday's Township Council meeting.

Mayor David Mayer noted during Wednesday's Council meeting that only 1 percent of applicants are accepted into the FBI National Academy.

"Out of everyone who applies for that program, only 1 percent is selected to attend, so Deputy Chief Harkins should be commended for not only being accepted but completing his program there," the mayor said. "We certainly thank him for his service to Gloucester Township."

The FBI National Academy's 247th session drew law-enforcement leaders from 49 US states, 25 countries and three branches of the military, according to police.

Earle noted Harkins shared Gloucester Township Police experiences and information with police officials from around the world during the 11-week training program, while also bringing home lessons he will be able to pass on to members of the 111-member local department.

The FBI program Harkins participated in focused on leadership training, law-enforcement media relations, stress management in law enforcement, physical fitness, and use-of-force investigations, police said. His classes earned him 12 undergraduate credits and six graduate credits through the University of Virginia.

"The National Academy builds a network with fellow law-enforcement professionals," Harkins said in a statement. "I'm confident this will serve as a valuable resource to help with many of the law-enforcement situations from law-enforcement investigations to administrative responsibilities to personnel issues. I am honored to be a FBI National Academy graduate."

The FBI National Academy's law-enforcement executive training program, founded in 1935, now boasts 45,000 graduates. It is internationally renowned for its academic excellence, and is offered free of charge to selected students and their agencies. Training for the program is provided by the FBI Academy instructional staff, special agents and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise.