The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is proud to announce that IMPD East District Captain Michael Leepper has graduated from the FBI National Academy.
“In these uncertain times, IMPD is committed to being a force of stability in our community as we work around the clock to keep residents safe,” said IMPD Chief Randal Taylor. “My congratulations to Captain Leepper as he graduates from the FBI National Academy’s 283rd Session. He returns to our community even better equipped to lead our officers and serve our residents in the future.”
The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities. The 10-week program—which provides coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science—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 (FBI.gov).
The National Academy was created as the “FBI Police Training School” in 1935 in response to the 1930 Wickersham Commission report recommending standardization and professionalization of law enforcement in the United States through centralized training. At the time, courses included scientific aids in crime detection, preparation of reports, criminal investigation techniques, and administration and organization. Studies pertaining to espionage and sabotage were offered as World War II began.
Captain Michael Leepper is a 17-year veteran of IMPD and prior to his promotion, served as the Night Watch Captain for East District. During his career with IMPD, Captain Leepper served 10 years as a patrol officer in operations on East District middle, late and late tact shifts as well as on the Crime Reduction Team. Before his promotion to sergeant, Captain Leepper also served two years on the Downtown District Foot and Bike Unit.
As a sergeant, Captain Leepper served two years on Southeast District late shift and at the IMPD Training Academy, overseeing recruit training and the physical fitness program. Upon promotion to lieutenant, Captain Leepper served as the East District late shift lieutenant, Training Academy lieutenant overseeing all of recruit training and East District middle shift lieutenant until his promotion to captain in June 2021.
In addition to his experience at every merit rank in operations, Captain Leepper has served on the IMPD Honor Guard, Hostage/Crisis Negotiator Unit, the Event Response Group and as member of the mentor program. Captain Leepper has been awarded the Medal of Valor, Medal of Bravery, East District Officer of the Year, Downtown District Officer of the Year and Supervisor of the Year.
Captain Leepper is a graduate of IMPD Leadership Academy class 2013-01. Captain Leepper obtained his Associates Degree in Law Enforcement from Vincennes University and his Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University, where he previously served as a part-time police officer prior to his employment with IMPD. Captain Leepper currently serves as an Infantry Officer in the Indiana Army National Guard and has been with his husband, Dane, for 14 years.
To learn more about the FBI National Academy, visit https://www.fbi.gov/services/training-academy/national-academy.
