A captain in the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department recently graduated from a program attended by people representing 21 countries, 49 states and the District of Columbia.

Capt. Jesse Laintz, commander of the sheriff’s department’s major crimes unit, graduated from the 283rd session of the FBI’s National Academy, located in Quantico, Va.

According to a release from the department, Sheriff Jay Koon sees the program as a “once-in-a-lifetime leadership and educational experience,” citing that less than 1% of law enforcement officers in the world are able to attend.

“The program provides coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication and forensic science,” the release notes.

According to the academy’s website, each session includes about 265 students (35 of whom are international). It notes intelligence theory, terrorist mindsets and law as other focuses of the program.

“The 10-week program ... serves to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide,” the website states.

According to the sheriff’s department, Laintz joined in 2006. In 2019, he was given command of the major crimes unity, and he also serves on the bomb and SWAT teams.

“Jesse’s completion of this prestigious national program will benefit the sheriff’s department and help us continue to provide our citizens with excellent law enforcement services,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “The National Academy gathers law enforcement leaders from around the world to learn and train together for 10 weeks, not only elevating levels of expertise but also building relationships between agencies.”