Charleston Reporter

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (March 22, 2023) - Mount Pleasant Police Lieutenant Matt Stafford recently graduated from the FBI National Academy as a member of the 285th session.

The prestigious program, known internationally for its academic excellence, selects dedicated law-enforcement professionals from around the country to participate in a ten-week course featuring advanced leadership, communication, and fitness training.

“One of my big takeaways from attending the National Academy is the importance of whole-body wellness and how it positively impacts all aspects of our lives. From work to home, maintaining our overall wellness can have dramatic effects that benefit all of us. Having worked in Mount Pleasant for over 15 years, I can confidently say that our town has been leading the way in employee wellness for several years. Our community involvement and partnership are also evidence that our town fully supports its employees,” said Lieutenant Stafford.

Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. Lieutenant Stafford started his law enforcement career in 2004 at the Greensboro Police Department in North Carolina before joining the Mount Pleasant Police Department in 2007. Beginning as a patrol officer with MPPD, Lieutenant Stafford quickly rose through the ranks reaching Lieutenant in 2021. Currently, Lieutenant Stafford is over the Office of Professional Standard.

“We are very proud of Lieutenant Stafford’s dedication to developing his professional leadership knowledge and abilities,” said Mount Pleasant Police Chief Mark Arnold.

 The 285th session consists of 247 law enforcement officers from 47 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 28 countries, four military organizations, and five federal civilian organizations.

The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on March 16, 2023. Lieutenant Stafford is the 4th officer in department history to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.

Original source can be found here.