March 31, 2026

QUANTICO, VA. – Arkansas State Police (ASP) Lieutenant Aaron Easley graduated from the 297th session of the FBI National Academy on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Quantico, Virginia. The graduation ceremony featured remarks by FBI Co-Deputy Director Christopher Raia.

Lt. Easley is a 19-year veteran of ASP and currently serves as the Assistant Troop Commander for Highway Patrol Troop B. Born in Newport, he is a U.S. Army National Guard veteran, serving in Bosnia and Iraq, prior to his career with ASP.

He graduated as Valedictorian of his ASP recruit class and has served as a Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Taser Instructor, and Honor Guard member. He has attended several leadership courses and is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. Before joining ASP, Lt. Easley worked for the Nevada County Sheriff’s Department in 2005.

Lt. Easley was one of 253 law enforcement officers who graduated from the FBI National Academy’s 297th session in Quantico. The session consisted of men and women from 48 states and the District of Columbia, as well as 26 members of law enforcement agencies from 24 countries, four military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the FBI National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend, and on average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training, and many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits all National Academy courses.

A total of 56,941 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.