COLUSA, CA (MPG) — Colusa Police Lt. Sara Martin graduated on Dec. 11 from the FBI National Academy and is bringing back into Colusa new resources and support from her FBI leadership program in Quantico, Virginia.
According to the FBI Sacramento Field Office, Martin was one of five graduates in the FBI National Academy Session No. 296; the 10-week program hosts law enforcement officers from local, state, federal, military, tribal and international agencies.
“Every law enforcement partner from our region has demonstrated exceptional dedication, both personally and professionally, via committing to this course,” said Sid Patel, FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge, in a statement to the press. Graduates prioritized their agencies and communities while building a network through the FBI National Academy Associates, Patel added.
Martin said the two biggest takeaways from the program were greater access to lesser-known resources provided by the federal government through expanded networking, and a greater focus on wellness for officers, their families and retirees.
“There was a big emphasis on wellness for officers that was addressed in two of the six courses I took,” Martin said. “Just as with there being a stigma with mental health within communities, there exists that same issue in law enforcement. We are supposed to be the tough ones who never ask for help.”
She said other resources discussed at the academy include families and retired law enforcement officers.
“Officers’ family’s wellness is just as important as the individual officers,” Martin said. “With regard to our retired officers, the weight of those adverse experiences just doesn’t go away when someone retires. The goal isn’t to just make it to retirement but to thrive after the career has concluded.”
Martin also pointed to training in areas she said she enjoys most.
“There were also some great things I learned with regard to behavioral analysis and forensics as well,” she said, adding they are among her favorite topics.
According to Martin, technology continues to define local policing and creates new demands for training and tools.
“Technology is a double-edged sword,” she said. “Its constant evolution can be challenging to keep up with at times.”
Martin cited social media, another form of non-phone record communications that does not depend on phone networks, as an area where criminal use stemming from technical infrastructure is growing. She specified that the department would seek devices it can use directly, and would also rely on partnerships when other agencies have direct access.
Martin has also said that policy matters.
“Coupled with the prior challenge, sensible legislation would help as well,” she said. “Some elected state officials are out of touch with public safety needs. Hopefully, that will change.”
Martin worked at the Colusa Police Department from 2008 to 2015. She then worked as a criminal investigator for the Colusa County District Attorney’s Office before she went back to the Colusa police in 2020. In October 2020, Colusa police swore her in as a police lieutenant. At the district attorney’s office, she also worked as a reserve officer for the Colusa Police Department.
“While I was the first person from the Colusa Police Department to attend the FBI NA program, it is my goal to not be the last,” Martin said. “The training was indispensable, and I believe is key in developing others along with the succession planning of this department.”
Besides Martin, the FBI’s list of regional graduates included California Highway Patrol Lt. Cmdr. Timothy McCollister, Merced County Sheriff Office Undersheriff Corey Gibson, Lodi Police Department Capt. Eric VerSteeg and Madera County Sheriff Office Lt. Ryan Videgain.
“I was proud to represent this department and those I work with in it,” she added. “I truly couldn’t have done it without them.”