DeWitt County Sheriff Carl Bowen announced at the Commissioner’s Court that Lieutenant Investigator Bethany Hobbs has been accepted into a prestigious, 10-week course at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, running from March 24 to June 5. This program is considered one of the premier law enforcement training courses in the world, and participation is by invitation only, with a class size of 265 members, including international students.
“Being selected to the FBI National Academy is very rare. In fact, less than 1% of any law enforcement officer in the country will ever be selected for this training,” Bowen said.
He explained that FBI agents recognized Hobbs' potential during a local training session and inquired if the DeWitt County Sheriff's Office would consider nominating her for the academy.
Lieutenant Hobbs holds a master’s degree in criminal justice, is a full-time officer in a law enforcement agency, and is physically fit, exceeding all other required qualifications. Notably, she played a key role in recovering $300,000 in stolen funds from Nigerian cybercriminals in 2023.
Judge Fowler inquired about the specifics of the curriculum, transportation, accommodation, and salary during the training.
Sheriff Bowen stated that the course itself is free. However, he remarked that it is an expensive “free” program due to the valuable knowledge, skills, and networking opportunities it provides.
The Commissioners Court has approved a per diem not exceeding $10,000 from the sheriff’s training budget to cover out-of-state expenses for Lieutenant Bethany Hobbs's training at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.
Lt. Hobb expresses her gratitude to her supporters in the below statement.
“Success isn’t about choosing between family, education, or career—it’s about having the determination to pursue them all. With hard work, resilience, and a strong support system, we can break barriers and achieve our dreams. I’m honored to take this next step at the FBI Academy, proving that dedication and balance can lead to extraordinary opportunities. Getting into the FBI Academy is a challenging process that requires strong academic credentials, work experience, and dedication to public service. The rigorous training program, both academically and physically demanding, prepares officers for real-world challenges. This accomplishment wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of the DeWitt County Sheriff Carl Bowen, my husband, my parents, and the County Commissioners Court. Their belief in my journey has been instrumental in achieving this milestone."
