Middletown Deputy Police Chief Completes Prestigious FBI Training

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — In March, Middletown Deputy Police Chief Paul Bailey graduated as a member of the 281st session of the FBI National Academy.

The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on March 17.

Deputy Chief Bailey is the eleventh officer in Middletown Police 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 training in communication, leadership and other contemporary courses of study.

Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these men and women have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

The 281st session consisted of 258 law enforcement officers from 45 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 32 countries, five military organizations and six federal civilian organizations.

The FBI National Academy is a very prestigious and highly selective executive development program for law enforcement leaders. The professional development training provided at the FBI Academy is the gold standard within the profession of law enforcement and serves to further enhance the skills, knowledge and abilities necessary to succeed in today’s complex world.

Middletown Police Chief R. Craig Weber, who is a graduate of the National Academy’s 229th session, said, “The Middletown Police Department has a strong partnership with the FBI and we are grateful for this unique opportunity which was afforded to our agency. I would like to congratulate Deputy Chief Bailey for attending and graduating from the FBI National Academy. It is a very significant and noteworthy accomplishment.”

Deputy Chief Bailey began his career with the Middletown Twp. Police Department in 2000 as a patrol office. He was promoted to sergeant in 2009, lieutenant in 2015, and deputy chief of police in 2020. Bailey currently serves as the Commander of the Investigative and Special Services Division which includes Investigations, Professional Standards, Training and Community Relations.

“It was a true honor to be selected to attend the National Academy," said Bailey. "The education and insights gained, coupled with the professional partnerships that are developed make the NA a truly unique experience.”

The FBI Academy instructional staff includes special agents and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise, provide training for the program. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia due to the accreditation by the university of the many courses offered. A total of 53,181 graduates now represent the alumni of the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935.