Today, Officer Nathan Popenhagen graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) as part of the 288th Basic Academy class. Director Judy Bradshaw oversaw the graduation ceremony in West Des Moines and presented Officer Popenhagen with his certification. As part of graduation, officers take part in a badge pinning ceremony where a person of significance pins their badge to their uniform. Also in attendance at graduation were Chief Burdess and Officer Breckenridge.
ILEA was created by an act of the Iowa legislature in 1967 with its purpose being to upgrade law enforcement to professional status. ILEA has been assigned the responsibility of providing training for Iowa peace officers, to coordinate training and to set standards for the law enforcement service.
