Joplin police captain graduates from FBI National Academy

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On Thursday, September 12, 2024, Joplin Police Department Captain Nick Jimenez graduated as a member of the 291st session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. 

Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program. Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers ten 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. The 291st session consisted of 254 law enforcement officers from 47 states, and the District of Columbia. The class also included members of law enforcement agencies from 26 countries, 7 military organizations, and 7 federal civilian organizations. 

Captain Jimenez began his law enforcement career at the Joplin Police Department as an Intern in 2006 and was hired to be a Police Officer in 2007. As a Police Officer, he also served as a Field Training Officer, SWAT Operator, SWAT Team Leader, Range Officer, and as a K9 Officer. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal in 2015, Sergeant in 2016, and then to the rank of Captain in 2019. He currently serves as the Captain over the Joplin Police Department Investigations Bureau. 

Captain Jimenez holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and an associate’s degree in crime scene investigation from Missouri Southern State University and a graduate certificate through the University of Virginia's Master of Public Safety Program. Captain Jimenez is also a graduate of the 147th Administrative Officers Course at the University of Louisville's Southern Police Institute and has completed the Missouri Police Chief's Charitable Foundation Command College. Captain Jimenez is also an adjunct instructor for Missouri Southern State University, serves on the Young Professionals Network Executive Committee for the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, and is an alumnus of their Leadership Joplin program. 

Following his graduation today, Joplin Police Chief Richard Pearson says "Captain Jimenez has realized an amazing accomplishment in attending the FBI National Police Academy. He now joins an extremely elite group of police professionals in the U.S. We are all very proud of him."