HPD’s Hooten a FBI National Academy Grad

Huntley police Sgt. Linda Hooten recently graduated from the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Va., and is using her new skills and knowledge in her job.

“Overall, the FBI National Academy experience was very motivating and inspiring, leaving me with a ‘Let’s do it’ attitude,” Hooten said.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program offers 10 weeks of advanced investigative, management, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. Its mission is "to support, promote, and enhance the personal and professional development of law enforcement leaders by preparing them for complex, dynamic, and contemporary challenges through innovative techniques, facilitating excellence in education and research, and forging partnerships throughout the world."

While participating in the 10 week FBI program, Hooten studied classes related to: interview interrogation; handling violent behavior; what to do when an officer is involved in a shooting; leadership in law enforcement; and legal updates.

“The information and resources we were given are tremendous, and the networking opportunities will pay off immensely,” said Hooten, who joined the force in December 2001. “I literally learned from and shared ideas with people from all over the country and the world.”

“We spent a lot of timing comparing the communities we worked for and I felt like Huntley is right in the game and just as progressive as much larger cities,” she said.

Beyond the classroom, the FBI National Academy includes intensive physical training.  Hooten completed what is known as the “Yellow Brick Road” fitness challenge. It consists of a 6.1-mile grueling run through a hilly, wooded trail built by the U.S. Marines. Along the way, the participants must climb over walls, run through creeks, scale rock faces with ropes, and more.

She also participated in the “Blue Brick” swimming challenge in which she swam a total of 34 miles over the course of the program.

 credit: the Huntley Village Journal