Los Banos Police Chief Ray Reyna recently returned home after completing the FBI National Academy, an intensive 10-week leadership training program designed for senior law enforcement officials from across the country and around the world.
Reflecting on his time at the academy, Reyna described it as a transformative experience that strengthened his leadership skills, expanded his professional network and provided valuable insights that he hopes to bring back to his department.
Reyna applied to the FBI National Academy because of its unique approach to executive law enforcement training.
Unlike shorter programs lasting only a week or two, the academy offers an immersive experience that integrates academics, physical fitness and leadership development.
“It’s a live-in academy where you’re immersed in the program, the culture, the academics and the physical fitness,” Reyna said. “You leave with a very strong network of law enforcement leaders from across the nation and across the globe.”
His acceptance into the program was particularly significant, as he became only the fourth officer from Los Banos to attend. Preparing for the academy required physical conditioning and extensive medical clearances to ensure he was in top health.
Each day at the FBI National Academy was packed with rigorous academic coursework and physical challenges.
Classes began as early as 7 a.m. and lasted throughout the day, with additional case studies, group projects and leadership exercises. Participants also engaged in a demanding physical fitness regimen that included three to four structured classes per week.
The final and the most grueling challenge was the Yellow Brick Road, a physically demanding wilderness obstacle course involving climbing, rope exercises and endurance running.
Reyna took five graduate-level courses, with leadership and crisis hostage negotiation standing out as particularly influential.
The leadership course encouraged innovative problem-solving and active participation, while the hostage negotiation course analyzed real-world case studies, some of which had been adapted into well-known films.
One of the most eye-opening aspects of the academy for Reyna was learning from his international classmates about their experiences in law enforcement.
Comparing different policing strategies and discussing the unique challenges faced in other countries deepened his appreciation for the resources and training available to officers in the United States.
“It made me feel very fortunate that we get to live in such a great place with so many great liberties,” Reyna said. “Despite anything that’s going on, the U.S. remains a place that inspires many around the world.”
Reyna emphasized how grateful he is to serve a community that works together to solve problems. He noted that many law enforcement professionals he met at the academy face the same challenges as Los Banos but without the same level of community support.
He said, “The difference in Los Banos is that our community members come together when there are issues. We have a good council, a good mayor and strong public support for what we do.
“Unfortunately, in many other places, the community is divided, and they’re not equipped to solve problems because the community doesn’t want to work together, and so I felt very fortunate that I get to live and serve a community that works well together.”
Attending the academy required a significant personal commitment, and Reyna expressed deep gratitude to his family.
“My wife, who also works in law enforcement, understood the significance of the training, and my family took the brunt of everything at home,” he said. “I could not have done this without them, and I’m incredibly grateful.”
He also acknowledged the leadership team at the Los Banos Police Department for stepping up in his absence.
He said, “Commander Melden, Commander Drum and Police Services Manager Patel divided my workload, with Commander Melden serving as acting police chief. They shouldered the burden of running the department so I could complete the training, and I’m very grateful.”
While he acknowledges that change does not happen overnight, Reyna plans to implement strategies and best practices he observed at the academy.
Reyna remains committed to continuous improvement and hopes his experience will inspire other members of the Los Banos Police Department to pursue similar opportunities for professional growth.
