Community Outreach

Las Vegas Community Outreach

Las Vegas, like each of the FBI’s local field offices, has a Community Outreach Program that complements and strengthens our many efforts to protect you, your businesses, and your families in concrete ways through a range of activities and initiatives.

Our activities include:

FBI Citizens’ Academy

The Eighth Annual Las Vegas FBI Citizens’ Academy began in April 2011. Eighteen outstanding business, religious, civic, and community leaders were chosen to attend this stimulating eight-week program that gives them an inside look at the FBI. The goal of the FBI Citizens’ Academy is to foster a greater understanding of the Bureau’s role in the community and to open lines of communication between the FBI and those it serves. Participants receive presentations on procedures in federal investigators, firearms safety, terrorism, counterterrorism, cyber crimes, SWAT, undercover operations, white-collar crimes, violent crimes, public corruption, and civil rights.

On the evening of May 25, 2011, the 18 members of the Eighth Annual FBI Las Vegas Citizens’ Academy were honored with a graduation and awards dinner in Las Vegas. More than 100 people attended this year’s event, which was sponsored by the FBI Las Vegas Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association (FBILVCAAA).

The program opened with the Palo Verde High School JROTC Color Guard and Pledge of Allegiance. Mrs. Nevada-America—Amanda Kouretas—acted as emcee for the evening. The Most Reverend Joseph A. Pepe, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas and Citizens’ Academy Class of 2011, gave the invocation. A buffet dinner was donated by Texas Station and Valerie Muriel, Citizens’ Academy Class of 2006 and Corporate Vice President of Human Resources and Training for Station Casinos, Inc. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada, Dan Bogden, was the special guest speaker.

The 2011 Las Vegas Citizens’ Academy graduates
The 2011 Las Vegas Citizens’ Academy attendees during the “Day at the Range”

Potential candidates for the FBI Citizens’ Academy must:

1. Be a recognized business, religious, or community leader from a diverse population;
2. Live and/or work in the local area;
3. Be a minimum age of 21 years;
4. Have no prior felony convictions;
5. Have no misdemeanor arrests within one year of application;
6. Consent to a criminal records check;
7. Sign a waiver statement in regard to the criminal records check; and
8. Agree to attend all sessions with no more than two excused absences.

Nominations for the February 2012 Citizens’ Academy must be submitted no later than December 31, 2011.

Applications may be submitted in one of two ways: provide a letter of reference submitted on your behalf by an FBI employee, FBI Citizens’ Academy graduate, or Citizens’ Academy alumni member; or write a self-nomination letter.

Selectees are chosen through a variety of methods, including their participation within their community, civic, or religious groups and organizations. When applying, please be sure to include a detailed description of any organizations you are involved in, how long you have been a member, and any positions you hold. Also, be sure to include your home address and phone number, name of your employer, position held, and contact numbers. The letter may be sent to the special agent in charge.

FBI Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association

The FBI Las Vegas Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association (CAAA) was established in the fall of 2009. The FBI CAAA is a non-profit organization made up of FBI Citizens’ Academy graduates who support the goals and mission of the FBI, Academy program, and community outreach. Each Alumni Association works to support the local FBI field office, to nominate future Citizens’ Academy members, to participate in outreach programs in the community, and to become better informed on issues of federal law enforcement.

Visit the  FBI Las Vegas Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association (CAAA) website.

FBI Las Vegas CAAA President Tim Wong and
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Piro.

Las Vegas Launches FBI’s Child ID App

On December 10, 2011, the Las Vegas FBI office and its Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association (CAAA) partnered with the Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD) Convention Center Area Command, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, and the Las Vegas Security Chief’s Association, to assist in the first “Child Safety Day” event held at the Convention Center.

As part of the free event, which was covered by the local media, participants had the chance to learn about the new FBI Child ID application for iPhones and iPads. In addition, the FBI and FBI CAAA provided American Football Coaches Association Child ID kits to each child and parent who attended. Assisted by the LVMPD CSI Explorers, each youngster had the opportunity to be fingerprinted as well.

Parents and children from all over Clark County, Nevada, were invited to attend Child Safety Day. In addition to presentations for participants from local child safety advocacy programs, the youngsters were able to talk to police officers, explore police vehicles, see robot demonstrations, meet McGruff the Crime Dog and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, and enjoy free food and music.

Adopt-A-School/Junior Special Agent Programs

The Las Vegas Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the FBI Las Vegas Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association (FBI LV CAAA) has partnered with Preparatory Institute, School for Academic Excellence at Charles I. West Hall (West Prep) for this school year’s FBI’s Adopt-A-School Program.

The FBI Junior Special Agents Academy was offered to 25 fifth graders who wrote the best essays telling why they wanted to be a Junior Special Agent and learn about the FBI.

During October’s National Crime Prevention Month the fifth graders participated in a crime prevention poster contest.

During National School Lunch Week the FBI participated in the ‘Lunch Buddies’ Program. Many special agents and support staff visited the students during their lunch period and either ate with or just talked the students answering questions about their careers in the FBI.

FBI LV CAAA President Tim Wong has dedicated his time, talents, and funding to make this year’s adoption very special. President Wong presented playground equipment to the classes and provided gift bags of school supplies to a number of students who needed supplies at home.

Graduation was held in January 2012. Each student who completes all the assignments will receive their FBI badge and credentials and a tour of the FBI building.

As part of the Adopt-A-School program, a Teen Academy is being planned for the high school students during the second semester.

FBI Las Vegas Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association Sponsors Field Trip to UNLV for West Prep Adopt-a-School Fifth Graders

The Las Vegas FBI Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association (CAAA) took its Adopt-A-School partnership with the Las Vegas FBI office and the Preparatory Institute, School for Academic Excellence at Charles I. West Hall (West Prep), to heart.

After visiting the fifth grade Junior Special Agents classroom, CAAA President Tim Wong wanted to expand students’ cultural experiences beyond the normal elementary school curriculum, so he offered field trips for the youngsters. On December 2, 2011, students took their first CAAA-sponsored trip—this one to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where they learned that education can be a goal for everyone.

Fifty-two fifth graders and their teachers—Jennifer Spigel and Jennifer Maher—enjoyed touring the campus facilities, including the Lied Library, Marjorie Barrick Museum, Recreation Center, Performing Arts Center, Law School, and Student Union. Chaperones included CAAA President Wong, Donna Dinoto (who organized the trip with UNLV), Joe Cortez (FBI CA ’04), and FBI Community Outreach Specialist Holly James. Students were able to eat lunch at the dining hall alongside college students. Lunch and transportation were provided by the FBI LV CAAA.

After the trip, the students wrote thank you notes to all involved, including UNLV Foundation Director Matt Sobotta. Many developed a new goal to prepare for and attend college after high school.

Upcoming field trips for 2012 include one to Hoover Dam.

West Prep Adopt-a-School Students see Air Force One During Trip to McCarran International Airport

In January 2011, the FBI Las Vegas Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association sponsored a field trip for the fifth grade class of West Prep School as part of the Bureau’s Adopt-a-School Program. Although the trip to McCarran International Airport was planned months in advance, organizers did not know that President Barack Obama would be in town that day, so when the bus arrived at McCarran, the airport’s director told the students they would be able to see the President’s plane, Air Force One. In addition to getting a close-up glimpse of the plane and then touring the airfield, students also met Las Vegas city councilman Lawrence Weekly, airport deputy director Rosemary Vassiliadi, and the airport’s K-9 officers and their canine partners, who gave a bomb sniffing demonstration.

Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA)

The FBI recognizes the achievements of individuals or organizations in the community who provide outstanding service by presenting the annual Director’s Community Leadership Award. This award is given to those who are actively involved in drug, gang, crime, and violence education and prevention.Our 2011 recipient was Tim Wong. Mr. Wong is the president and chief executive officer of Arcata Associates, Inc. Arcata supports military tests and training, aeronautical flight testing, and manned and unmanned space flight. Mr. Wong and Arcata have worked closely with the FBI on numerous projects.

Community Relations Executive Seminar Training (CREST)

Las Vegas CREST Held for Anti-Defamation League Executives

On Tuesday, November 15, 2011, a Community Relations Executive Seminar Training (CREST) was held for 20 members of the Anti-Defamation Leagues’ (ADL) Board of Directors.

The FBI CREST is a shorter, more focused version of the Citizens’ Academy conducted in partnership with an organization or group to explain the internal workings of the FBI. It is topic driven, and sessions are customized to meet the needs of each organization or group. CREST helps improve the FBI’s understanding of communities by establishing a consistent exchange of information.

This CREST was organized to give the leaders of the ADL an inside look at the FBI and a chance to meet with supervisory agents from the Civil Rights and Joint Terrorism Task Force to discuss anti-Semitic problems and solutions in the Las Vegas area.

The Las Vegas Anti-Defamation Board of Directors, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bill Woerner, Supervisory Special Agent Rod Swanson, Supervisory Special Agent Joe Dickey, and Chief Division Counsel David Staretz. Photo by Community Outreach Specialist Holly James.

FBI Citizens’ Academy

Nominations for the February 2012 Citizens’ Academy must be submitted no later than December 31, 2011.

The Eighth Annual Las Vegas FBI Citizens’ Academy began in April 2011. Eighteen outstanding business, religious, civic, and community leaders were chosen to attend this stimulating eight-week program that gives them an inside look at the FBI. The goal of the FBI Citizens’ Academy is to foster a greater understanding of the Bureau’s role in the community and to open lines of communication between the FBI and those it serves. Participants receive presentations on procedures in federal investigations, firearms safety, terrorism, counterterrorism, cyber crimes, SWAT, undercover operations, white-collar crimes, violent crimes, public corruption, and civil rights.

Community Outreach

• Speaker Requests: The Las Vegas Division may be able to furnish a speaker for your educational, civic, or workplace-based organization. To submit a request, send a letter to FBI Community Outreach, 1787 West Lake Mead Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89106. The request must be sent at least 45 days prior to the date of the event, and please include the location, date and time, topic of interest, and your contact information. Every effort will be made to honor such requests, although there may be occasions when workloads of staff dictate otherwise.
• Elementary and Middle School Speaker Requests: FBI Las Vegas receives many school requests for speakers at Career Days, Careers on Wheels, Nevada Reading Week, and other presentations. Unfortunately, we cannot visit every school we receive a request from, so we have set up a priority list. Schools that are actively participating in the FBI-SOS (Safe Online Surfing) Internet Challenge (grades 3 through 8) will have priority. When submitting your request for a speaker, please be sure to state if and when your school has participated in the FBI-SOS program.

• Partnering with USVets and Nellis Air Force Base: Our personnel volunteered to work at the USVets Stand Down, an annual two-day event that assembles homeless veterans and provides food, clothing, veterans benefits, referrals, and entertainment by Elvis…only in Las Vegas!

For more information contact:

Holly James
Community Outreach Specialist
1787 West Lake Mead Boulevard
Las Vegas , NV 89106
(702) 584-5678

Visit our national In Your Community website for more information about our overall outreach efforts and our work in other local FBI offices.