Coker goes through FBI training

After taking a 10-week law-enforcement program, Libby Chief of Police Clay Coker has a Rolodex full of law-enforcement professionals to call if ever needs advice.

“I have resources to go to for every issue that comes up,” Coker said. “Somewhere, someone has dealt with the problem before. I just have to reach out and find out who.”

Coker graduated this month from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., a highly selective program for U.S. and international law-enforcement leaders.

He is now a member of the FBI National Academy Association, an organization of more than 15,000 officers. From gas budgets to legal guidance, Coker believes his networking experience will prove advantageous to the city of Libby.

“I met someone from every agency you can think of,” Coker said. “I met lieutenants, chiefs, captains, you name it, and I learned how they do things where they’re at.”

The City of Libby nominated Coker for the program 10 years ago. He was accepted in 2001, but because he was serving in the Marines oversees in Kosovo, his name was put at the bottom of the list, and he was finally accepted again this year.

The National Academy invites about 1,000 officers worldwide to participate in its program each year, with students’ travel expenses, tuition, books, lodging and meals furnished at no cost. Montana only sends four officers per year, with a waiting list that gets longer every year.

The program featured a number of graduate level law-enforcement classes accredited through the University of Virginia, as well as prominent guest speakers – such as President George Bush – and an educational trip to Washington, D.C.

In addition, Coker excelled in the program’s voluntary fitness challenges, one of which involved swimming 34 miles. Only 30 out the 260 students completed that challenge.

This program’s session included students from 26 different countries, giving Coker a glimpse into other law systems. 

“They brought a different perspective. They have different laws,” Coker said. “You realize there is no other system like ours in the world.”