Detective is first from Jackson to finish FBI Academy training

JACKSON, Mo. -- The first Jackson police officer in the history of the department graduated from the FBI National Academy Program in Quantico, Va., this month, returning home with new knowledge of investigative techniques, criminal behavior and forensic science.

Lt. James Humphreys, a detective and seven-year veteran of the Jackson force, spent 10 weeks at the academy with 262 other officers from departments across the United States and around the world. The session almost was canceled in light of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, but organizers decided to tighten security and go ahead with a Sept. 28 start date.

Humphreys said he hopes his acceptance to the academy will open the door for other Jackson officers to attend. Candidates must have spotless police records and be in top physical condition.

FBI director Robert S. Mueller III spoke at Humphreys' Dec. 7 graduation ceremony, attended by Jackson police chief Marvin Sides and two other officers.

Cape Girardeau Police Department spokesman Jason Selzer said four of the city's 72 commissioned officers have been to FBI training: Lt. John R. Davis, Lt. Tracy Lemonds, Capt. Randall Roddy and Chief Steve Strong. Three others attended but are retired.

Attacks' impact

Humphreys said the terrorist attacks not only affected the academy but have changed police work in this country.

"I am from Jackson, and not a whole lot happens here, but it gave everybody a different perspective on how they approach things," he said. "We're aware that being prepared is the most important thing."

Sides said he was proud of Humphreys for completing the course, and he knows the department will benefit from the contacts the detective made in Virginia.

"Those kinds of things are just invaluable to a police officer," he said.

The department paid Humphreys' salary while he was training, but the FBI paid expenses for the academy.

Humphreys began his law enforcement career 11 years ago with the Bollinger County Sheriff's Department. He is the son of Juan and Deanna Humphreys of Marble Hill, Mo., and a Bethalto, Ill., native. He and his wife, Francine, have two daughters, age 2 and 6 months.

He will graduate from Southeast Missouri State University next year with a degree in criminal justice. His time in Quantico is accepted as college credit.

hhall@semissourian.com

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