After 10-weeks of intensive course work a pushing himself physically, Turlock Police Capt. Miguel Pacheco 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 Thursday. Capt. Pacheco is the 13th 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 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training.  Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend.  On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

Pacheco began his career with the Turlock Police Department in April 2000.  He is currently assigned as the Field Operations Captain overseeing Patrol, Traffic, K-9 Unit, Code Enforcement, Critical Response Teams, Animal Services, Volunteers/Explorers, and Crime Prevention.

Pacheco earned his bachelor of science degree in public safety administration from Grand Canyon University and his master’s degree in organizational leadership at Union Institute and University. He has obtained Advanced, Supervisory, and Management certifications through the California Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training. 

Pacheco was promoted to lieutenant in 2012 and captain in 2017. He served as the interim police chief for four months in 2020 and 2021 and was given a special commendation by the department for helping steer them through the pandemic and the protests happening at the time.

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.
 
The 284th session consisted of 237 law enforcement officers from 49 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 25 countries, five military organizations, and five federal civilian organizations.
 
“The Turlock Police Department has a long history of graduates from the FBI National Academy dating back as far as Chief Harry Oliver in 1948,” Chief Jason Hedden said. “Captain Pacheco will return to Turlock with valuable experience and a network of resources spanning 25 international countries.”     
 
Throughout the 10-week academy, students participated in seven physical fitness challenges, leading up to the final fitness challenge called the Yellow Brick Road.  The Yellow Brick Road is a grueling 6.2 mile run over the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School’s obstacle course.  The FBI describes the course as running through “lowlands, woods, muddy waters, simulated windows, up hills, over walls, under barbed wire and across a cargo net.”
 
The Turlock Police Department and Hedden thanked Pacheco’s family for their support, sacrifice, and encouragement while he was away representing Turlock at the FBI National Academy.

“Feeling blessed to have been able to learn and network with amazing law enforcement leaders from around the world,” Pacheco wrote on his LinkedIn page. “Thank you to my agency and chief for letting me represent the men and women of the Turlock Police Department. Most of all, thank you to my wife for supporting me and doing to hard work back at home.”