Sheriff Crystal Cline Selected for FBI National Academy, Joins Elite Global Law Enforcement Network

Sheriff Crystal Cline of Warren County has been accepted into Session #295 of the FBI National Academy, one of the world’s most elite and respected law enforcement training programs. Her attendance marks a historic milestone for the county, as she becomes not only one of a select group of officers nationwide chosen for the program, but also the first woman sheriff in Warren County history to earn such an honor.

Sheriff Crystal Cline

Sheriff Cline will begin the 10-week program on June 29, 2025, at the FBI’s training facility in Quantico, Virginia, and will graduate on September 4. The Academy, which was founded in 1935, provides advanced training in investigative techniques, leadership, fitness, and modern policing strategies. It is open only to law enforcement professionals who demonstrate exceptional integrity, a record of achievement, and strong leadership potential.

“This is the kind of opportunity I’ve worked toward my entire career,” Sheriff Cline said. “It’s not just about professional development—it’s about bringing what I learn back to our team, our community, and preparing the next generation of leaders in law enforcement.”

The selection is highly competitive. Fewer than one percent of law enforcement officers worldwide are ever accepted. Graduates return to their communities with new tools, new perspectives, and lasting international connections.

Since its founding, the FBI National Academy has trained 55,797 law enforcement professionals worldwide. This extensive alumni network spans the globe, forming a strong foundation of experienced officers who support one another across jurisdictions and borders. The Academy’s leadership emphasizes that wherever graduates go—whether in the U.S. or abroad—they are likely to find fellow alumni ready to collaborate and assist.

This global community of graduates is one of the program’s most powerful assets. For Sheriff Cline, the Academy offers more than just classes—it’s a chance to learn alongside top law enforcement leaders from across the country and around the world.

Challenges faced by law enforcement leaders are rarely unique, and at the FBI National Academy, participants often find that someone else has already navigated similar issues. This exchange of real-world experience turns the Academy into more than just a place for advanced training; it becomes a vital support network where solutions are shared and lasting professional connections are built.

As part of her time at Quantico, Sheriff Cline will take five graduate-level courses, earning academic credit through the University of Virginia as she works toward a master’s degree. Topics include behavioral science, forensics, counterterrorism, and advanced leadership development.

Physical endurance is also a key part of the curriculum. Students train under academy fitness instructors to complete the “Yellow Brick Road,” a tough 6.1-mile obstacle course through trails and physical challenges. Completing it earns students the symbolic “Yellow Brick”—a mark of personal grit and accomplishment.

Sheriff Cline is determined to complete the challenging “Yellow Brick Road” at Quantico and bring the symbolic yellow brick back to Warren County. For her, the yellow brick represents far more than just finishing a race—it stands as a tribute to the discipline, effort, and teamwork required to lead with purpose and serve a community with integrity. She sees it as a powerful reminder of the values she upholds and plans to carry those lessons home to strengthen her department.

During her absence, Major Jason Winner will oversee daily operations at the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. Major Winner is a respected veteran of the department and shares Cline’s commitment to professionalism and strong community service. The department expects operations to continue smoothly throughout the summer.

This appointment is not only a personal achievement for Sheriff Cline but also a symbol of Warren County’s growing leadership in public safety. With her return in September, she will bring home more than new training—she will bring a strengthened network, a deeper skill set, and renewed purpose for the department and the community it serves.

Though National Academy graduates are not FBI agents, they become part of the broader FBI community, connected through shared training, values, and a commitment to excellence in law enforcement. As Sheriff Cline takes her place in this legacy, she carries with her the pride of a county that continues to break new ground.