Bensalem Lieuteneant Graduates From FBI National Academy

BENSALEM, PA — A lieutenant from the Bensalem Township Police Department has just graduated from the FBI National Academy.

Lieutenant Keith Christie was a member of the 281st session class that started on January 10 and graduated on Thursday, March 17.

The session consisted of 258 men and women, including 32 international students, who share ideas, techniques, and experiences that create lifelong partnerships that transcend state and international borders.

The FBI National Academy is a ten-week professional course of study for the United States and International law enforcement executives. Students take graduate or undergraduate courses through the University of Virginia at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

The program provides course work in leadership, intelligence theory, terrorism, forensic and behavioral science as well as law enforcement communication. Students also participate in physical fitness training while attending the academy, the final test of which is the fitness challenge called the “Yellow Brick Road”, a grueling 6.1 mile run through an obstacle course built and used by the U.S. Marines on the base.

“The NA was a once in a lifetime experience. I look forward to bringing back what I learned to my department and to the citizens of Bensalem,” Lt. Christie said. “The NA was a great time to reflect on my career and re-dedicate myself to serving the residents of Bensalem Township.”

Participation in the FBI National Academy is by invitation only through a highly competitive nomination process. Graduates of this academy represent the top 1% of Law Enforcement Executives.

Lieutenant Christie has been serving with the Bensalem Township Police Department since 2003 and he currently serves as the Investigations Commander. He has a bachelor's degree from Penn State University and a graduate degree from the University of Oklahoma and attended Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command in 2014.