The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently recognized the Citizens Academy for helping to build trust and support in communities, according to a press release.
On Nov. 22, every one of the FBI's 56 field offices across the nation hosted a Citizens Academy, with more than 45,000 people graduating from the six- to eight-week program. The programs help to build a rapport with the community by giving local civic leaders a behind-the-scenes look at how the Bureau conducts investigations and assesses national security threats. Attendees also learn the finer points of investigating crime scenes, protecting civil rights, firearms safety and how the FBI relies on partnerships to protect and serve the community.
"FBI Leaders Recognize Citizens Academy Alumni for Building Trust and Support in Communities: FBI field offices invite local community, civic and religious leaders to join the Citizens Academy to help build lines of communication," Annie Do wrote in a Nov. 22 Twitter post.
Many volunteers join the local chapters of the non-profit FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association which provides support to the FBI so they can highlight safety awareness and the Bureau’s essential role in the community.
"Everything the FBI is trying to accomplish depends upon having the trust and support of the American people," FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate said at the group’s annual conference in Las Vegas in September. "You spent time during your weeks at the Citizens Academy getting to know us. And now as alumni, you’re taking time to educate your friends and neighbors about us. By doing so, you’re building bridges between law enforcement and your communities."
The program was originally launched nearly 30 years ago at the Phoenix field office.
