University of Illinois Springfield Police Chief Ross Owens has graduated as a member of the 284th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on December 8, 2022.
Owens is the second officer in department history to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend.
“It was truly a humbling experience to be in a training environment with such an impressive group of people,” Owens said. “Their experience, combined with the material guidance from the instructors, provided an amazing educational program. I can’t thank my family and co-workers enough for stepping up during my absence, they have my eternal gratitude!”
The 284th session consistent of 237 law enforcement officers from 49 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 25 countries, 5 military organizations and 5 federal civilian organizations.
Owens has worked for the UIS Police Department for 23 years. He started as a dispatcher in 1999. In 2006, he became a UIS Police officer and was promoted to sergeant in 2015, lieutenant in 2018, captain in 2019, interim chief in 2021 and chief in 2022.
He is a UIS alum, having earned two bachelor’s degrees in business administration and management from UIS in 2008. In 2019, he graduated from the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University, a 10-week program that provides upper-level college instruction for leaders in law enforcement.
Owens is a member of Illinois Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, Central Illinois Association of Law Enforcement Executives, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and Sangamon County Law Enforcement Executives.
About the FBI National Academy
FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits many of the courses offered. A total of 53,908 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.