The FBI Norfolk Field Office, in partnership with the Newport News Police Department, Newport News Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, and Hampton Roads Diversity and Inclusion Consortium, will hold a community event focused on diversity and inclusion.

The event, “A Commitment to Fostering Diversity & Inclusion,” will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Community Room at Newport News Police Department Headquarters, 9710 Jefferson Avenue.

A panel discussion will include Martin Culbreth, special agent in charge of FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Steve R. Drew, chief of the Newport News Police Department; Dr. Synetheia Newby, president of Greater Works Consulting Group, LLC and the Visionary of Dear Single Sister; and Kaleb Coleman, a student and recent graduate of the FBI’s Future Agents in Training program.

The panelists will discuss strategies to diversify their workforce, goals of outreach programs, and ways law enforcement can improve community relations.

The discussion will be moderated by Mr. Billy McIntyre, chair of the Hampton Roads Diversity and Inclusion Consortium. Citizens will have an opportunity to ask questions of the panelists and receive important information about community outreach initiatives.

The goal of the free program is to educate the communities about each respective agency’s mission, priorities, and ways we work together to keep our areas of responsibility safe, particularly in a time when law enforcement is often portrayed negatively by the media.

The event is free and open to the public; however, seating is limited and registration is required.

To register, go to https://ourcommitment.eventbrite.com.

For more information, please email FBI’s Community Outreach Specialist Vanessa Torres at vbtorres@fbi.gov.