Canby Police Lt. Jose Gonzalez recently completed one of the toughest challenges available to local law enforcement officers: the FBI National Academy. Lt. Gonzalez and three other Oregon law enforcement officers graduated a 10-week training session at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., earlier this month.
There is a highly competitive process local law enforcement officers must go through to be selected for this honor. That process includes a nomination by a supervisor, interviews with the candidate and co-workers to determine leadership skills and abilities, a background check, a determination of physical fitness and the support of former National Academy graduates within the candidate’s organization.
“The exceptional leaders selected for the National Academy have the opportunity to learn and share best practices with other elite law enforcement officers from across the country and the world,” said Renn Cannon, special agent in charge of the FBI in Oregon. “Only a few officers from Oregon have the chance to attend each year and we are proud to sponsor Lt. Gonzalez and our other local partners in the National Academy.”
Lt. Gonzalez is originally from Caracas, Venezuela. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Portland State University in 1994. He started his law enforcement career with the Canby Police Department in 1996, but laterally transferred to the Portland Police Bureau in 1998, where he was ultimately promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2005.
He had many assignments with Portland police, including the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. Lt. Gonzalez retired from the Portland Police Bureau in 2019 and accepted a position as a lieutenant with the Canby Police Department.
He is currently serving as the lieutenant for the investigation unit, code enforcement/evidence unit, task force partnerships, and internal affairs.
“I am most appreciative of the opportunity for Lt. Jose Gonzalez to participate in the excellent training provided by the FBI National Academy,” said Canby Police Chief Bret Smith. “His nomination and eventual selection to the academy is an indication of his exceptional leadership qualities and admirable character. We look forward to his return to serve our agency and community with his enhanced knowledge and skills.”
During the 10 weeks of training, local executive-level law enforcement officers spend most of their time in the classroom. Lt. Gonzalez’s took classes in leadership essentials, national security and intelligence, effective writing and contemporary issues in law enforcement.
The FBI sponsors four sessions of the National Academy each year. Each session includes about 220 local law enforcement officers from throughout the United States and around the world.
While in the academy, the officers and deputies live in a dorm-like setting. The FBI does not charge U.S. students for tuition, books, equipment, meals, lodging, or travel to and from their home.
Hear more of Lt. Gonzalez’s story on Episode 59 of the Canby Now Podcast, “What’s Cooking, Lieutenant?”:
