Community outreach is about building partnerships locally and nationally that help prevent crime and protect our diverse nation.
Read about the FBI’s latest outreach initiatives, notable outreach activities and successes by Bureau partners and personnel, advice for staying safe from emerging threats and scams, career opportunities, and more.
The FBI launched a nationwide effort to raise awareness of frauds and scams impacting the public and encourage reporting to law enforcement. Throughout this campaign, the FBI is sharing information with the public to highlight different types of fraud and scams, tips for identifying them and preventing losses, and how victims can report to protect others.
One of the most common tactics scammers use is a false sense of urgency or isolation. They may try to instill trust, induce empathy or fear, or promise monetary gains, companionship, or employment opportunities—all to lure victims into immediate action. For this reason, the FBI’s awareness campaign urges the public to Take A Beat: resist pressure to act quickly, pause for a moment, and assess the situation.
While fraud can happen to anyone, there are small steps you can take to protect yourself and your information:
Inside the FBI Podcast: Fighting Fraud
On this episode of our podcast, we’ll define fraud, explain why and how the FBI investigates it, share tips for protecting yourself from scammers, and teach you how to report suspected frauds and scams to the Bureau.
- If you believe a scammer has gained access to your device or account, take precautionary measures to protect yourself. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.
- Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers.
- Search online for the contact information (name, phone number, email, addresses) of any unknown source which reaches out to you, as well as the proposed offer. Verify the legitimacy of businesses on websites such as Better Business Bureau. Other people have likely posted information online about businesses and individuals attempting to run scams.
- Never provide any personally identifiable information, money, checks, gift cards, or wire information to unverified people or businesses.
If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of a fraud or scam, contact your local FBI office or submit a complaint at ic3.gov. Document the name of the scammer/company and methods of contact, dates of contact, methods of payment, where funds may have been sent, and a thorough description of the interactions.
For more information on the common frauds and scams the FBI encounters, visit fbi.gov/scams.
To view the latest stats and trends, visit ic3.gov.
About the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association
The FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA)
is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that works in partnership with the FBI to promote public safety and security through community engagement, education, and outreach initiatives. Founded in 2005, the national organization provides training, resources, and governance oversight for nearly 60 local FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association chapters representing more than 53,000 business, civic, religious, and community leaders across the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico.
The 2024 FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association Leadership Conference, Mission Driven Performance, was held June 26 – 28 at the Motor City Casino Hotel in Detroit, Michigan. Thanks to the FBI Detroit Division and the FBI Detroit CAAA Chapter for their warm welcome and hospitality throughout the three days of the conference. The event was rich with FBI presentations and programming focused on education and training and community outreach on topics such as human trafficking, elder fraud, victim assistance, and cybersecurity.
The 2024 NLC keynote speakers included a number of distinguished executives from FBI Headquarters, including FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate; Associate Deputy Director Brian C. Turner; Assistant Director Robert J. Contee III, FBI Office of Partner Engagement; and Assistant Director Cathy Milhoan, FBI Office of Public Affairs.
The FBI Detroit Division was also well represented by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea "Shea" Gibson; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Josh Hauxhurst; Supervisory Special Agent Bryan Drake; Intelligence Analyst John Gates; Special Agent Henrik Impola; and Special Agent Jeffrey Weiland.
The National Board of the FBINCAAA extended its thanks and appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the conference.
Middle school students at the FBI Oklahoma City Youth Academy display evidence they collected from a mock bank robbery and presented as part of a mock prosecution.
Students at the FBI Oklahoma City Youth Academy show off the fingerprints they captured from a mock crime scene.
Twenty middle-school students from Anadarko, Oklahoma, participated in a three-day FBI Youth Academy hosted by FBI Oklahoma City this summer. Youth academies, held at FBI field offices across the country, allow students the opportunity to get a comprehensive look into today’s FBI. Attendees learn from special agents, intelligence analysts, language specialists, and professional staff about investigative tactics that include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and assisting with cases.
The people of Anadarko and the rural families who live in the area represent the history—and pre-history—of the region. Of the 39 recognized tribal nations in Oklahoma, seven of them can be found in and around Anadarko. About 40 percent of residents identify as fully American Indian, while another 20 percent identify as multiracial.
One of the smallest tribes in Oklahoma and one of the oldest in North America, the Delaware Nation works to honor the traditions of the past while preparing kids and teens for a future of service and success. Over the past year, Delaware Nation President Deborah Dotson and FBI Oklahoma City Community Outreach Specialist Veronica Magrath have worked together to develop new ways to engage the kids in this quest.
Dotson and Magrath partnered with the Anadarko Public Schools to recruit and host students for the academy. Together, they developed the agenda and topics with a focus on helping the students learn to lead.
The teens actively explored the worlds of criminal investigations and forensic sciences while also receiving age-appropriate lessons on violence prevention and cyber safety, particularly about the dangers of sextortion.
"It is important to educate our youth about all aspects of law enforcement at an early age. This FBI Youth Academy provided an opportunity for our area youth to interact, engage in one-on-one conversations, and develop a positive relationship with all the agents who assisted with the academy."
- Deborah Dotson, president, Delaware Nation
Participants learned how to solve a mock crime (a bank robbery) and present their evidence to a "prosecutor." They were able to spend one-on-one time with FBI employees and mentors from the local FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association (a separate 501(c)(3) non-profit) to learn more about jobs in the Bureau and the power they—the students—have to shape their own futures.
"Tribal traditions are woven through the fabric of Oklahoma's history and culture, and the FBI is privileged to work with Native American communities to help protect our students," said Doug Goodwater, special agent in charge of the FBI in Oklahoma. "We are very thankful Delaware Nation helped the FBI work with tribes in the Anadarko region to support our recent youth academy."
While the kids had a great time and the chance to explore their future, the partnership between Delaware Nation and the FBI also has allowed the Bureau to address gaps in its ability to work effectively across the state. Through this one relationship, the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office will be able to extend a welcoming hand to many more tribal nations in the future.
If you are interested in learning more about student programs in your area, contact your nearest FBI field office.
FBI Buffalo Community Outreach Specialists Sharon Mentkowski and Kimberly Smith, along with members of the FBI Buffalo Citizens Academy Alumni Association, had an opportunity to learn about the operations at the U.S./Canadian border from members of the United States Border Patrol.
Since its inception in 1924, the United States Border Patrol has had a proud history of service to our nation. Alumni members took a boat tour to learn about ways the agency protects the American people and safeguards the borders and waterways that connect the city of Buffalo, New York, to Canada. Alumni members were also allowed a behind-the-scenes demonstration of one of the agency’s K9 dogs and how they stop narcotics from coming into the U.S.
This summer, FBI Boston joined the Boston Police Department and the Police Activities League of Massachusetts to attend the Play 4 Peace Basketball Tournament at Harambee Park in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
This annual event brings together more than 200 youths along with police officers, special agents, and civilians from various agencies to promote solidarity between law enforcement and Boston’s urban and suburban communities.
Play 4 Peace is dedicated to fostering a culture of trust and respect between the community and law enforcement through innovative programs and engagement opportunities to build a strong, unified Boston.
Demetrius Smith and Christian Foreman, both community outreach specialists at FBI Atlanta, were awarded the "Courage Award" by the L.E.A.D. Center for Youth for their commitment to bridging the gap between the community and law enforcement.
The award was presented during the 10th annual Safe at Home baseball game. Law enforcement agencies from the local area participated in the event.
L.E.A.D. Center for Youth received the FBI’s Director’s Community Leadership Award in April for their work with at-risk youth in the Atlanta area.
In FY24, the Human Resources Division (HRD) hosted two commercial-level photo shoots in an effort to develop a repository of recruitment and marketing materials that align to the data-informed employer brand.
Commercial-level photo shoots play a key role in effective employer branding helping to attract top talent, visually represent FBI culture, create engaging marketing content, make a strong first impression, support diversity and inclusion initiatives, and establish professionalism and credibility.
The photos showcase the FBI’s authentic and innovative workforce as leaders in law enforcement to attract high-caliber candidates and inspire them to consider a career with purpose at the Bureau.
Quantico: Expertise and Excellence
HRD worked with Laboratory Division (LD), Operational Technology Division (OTD), Training Division (TD), and field agents from the national capital region to showcase the extensive training, development, and expertise housed at Quantico.
A total of 11 units, 18 special agents, and 63 professional staff volunteered for the photo shoot. HRD captured content spanning multiple career paths, from agent to artist and engineer and more.
FBI Redstone: Cutting-Edge Collaboration and Innovation
FBI Redstone’s state-of-the-art facilities are becoming the future of FBI’s innovation and technology, centrally located near many partner organizations and agencies, and built to further our mission as the premier law enforcement agency.
Though the Innovation Center at Redstone was not open for photography, HRD was able to showcase the range of opportunities in Huntsville.
The 51 volunteers spanned 13 divisions and 25 units—ranging from IT specialists, computer scientists, chemists, and bomb technicians—and a campus built for cross-divisional collaboration.
FBI Chicago attended the Chicago Chinatown Summer Festival on July 27–28, outside the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago. FBI staff built rapport with the Chinatown community by providing resources and materials in the community’s preferred languages. As a result, the FBI built opportunities for additional outreach efforts within the Chinatown community.
On 8/17, FBI Norfolk attended the Nansemond Indian Nation Pow Wow in Suffolk, VA. During this event, Special Agent in Charge Brian Dugan met briefly with Chief Keith Anderson and tribal councilmembers. Throughout the day, staff shared recruitment and outreach information with community members. Pictured are two brothers from the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina who visited the resource table.
On 9/4, FBI Philadelphia hosted its Sixth Annual 9/11 Run to Remember. Approximately 360 participants registered to run, walk and/or serve as volunteers to honor those who lost their lives during the September 11 tragedy.
On 7/23, the FBI Las Vegas Citizens Academy Alumni Association (CAAA) hosted former Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) Ronald Hopper at a speaking engagement on the Pulse Nightclub terror attack. The event was hosted at the LGBTQIA+ Center of Southern Nevada and was open to CAAA members, law enforcement partners, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
In late July, the FBI’s Salt Lake City Division celebrated the graduation of its first Citizens Academy class in Helena, MT. The graduates were hosted by SAC Shohini Sinha, ASAC Albert Kelly, SSRA Caroline Marshall, and the entire Helena RA. Establishing the Citizens Academy program is a major success because it allows community leaders to come and learn about the FBI’s mission, further straightening our community partnerships.
Staff from FBI Minneapolis provided a captivating and age-appropriate presentation focusing on sextortion to participants of the New Brighton Safety Camp. The discussion gave attendees the tools necessary to set healthy boundaries and make smart choices as they grow up.
FBI Anchorage employees conducted an Internet Safety & Sextortion Awareness presentation for students, parents, and community members at Whittier Community School in Whittier, Alaska. The presentation focused primarily on sextortion awareness, but also covered cyber hygiene, social media, cyber bullying, and the FBI’s Safe Online Surfing (SOS) program.
FBI Minneapolis attended the Twin Cities Pride Festival, a two-day celebration of the LGBTQIA+ Community in the Twin Cities area. FBI staff, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and members of the Minneapolis FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association shared information about the FBI’s work, career opportunities, outreach programs, and community awareness campaigns.
Community and civic leaders in southern Illinois attended a Community Awareness Presentation in Fairview Heights. The event focused on teaching community members about the role of the FBI within their community. Through this outreach, FBI staff heard and responded to local issues and concerns and strengthened relationships with the communities we serve.
On 7/29, a memorial ceremony was held in honor of Special Agent (SA) Joseph J. Brock at St. Charles Catholic Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY. SA Brock was shot and killed in New York City on 7/26/1952 by a fugitive on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list. Personnel from FBI New York and members of the John F. Good Long Island Chapter of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI, Inc., attended the ceremony.
Personnel from FBI Anchorage promoted FBI careers in a recruiting booth for the Valdez High School College and Career Fair in Valdez, Alaska. Students and staff learned about FBI 101, the wide variety of career paths at the FBI, and opportunities for students and graduates.
FBI Chicago participated in National Night Out with law enforcement partners at seven precincts across Chicagoland, including District 12 at Fosco Park. Pictured here are FBI Chicago personnel staffing the office’s community outreach table.
FBI Salt Lake City joined National Night Out activities in South Salt Lake on 8/6. This annual event aims to make neighborhoods safer by promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. This is a great way for the FBI to enhance our relationships with our local law enforcement partners and the community!
During a presentation by FBI bomb techs, participants at an FBI Springfield Community Awareness Program learned about shock tube, which initiates shock to begin the detonation process. Energy travels through the tube at speeds greater than 6,500 feet per second, more than five times faster than the speed of sound.
Blacks in Government (BIG) held the 45th Annual National Training Institute in Tampa, FL, from August 12-15. The theme for this year’s event was “The BIG Experience: Providing Tools & Strategies for an Innovative Workplace.” For four days, attendees participated in workshops, networking, and mentoring. In addition to staffing a booth at the conference, FBI Tampa invited participants to the field office for a special tour and presentation.
The FBI Los Angeles Citizens Academy Alumni Association recently hosted a memorable beachside event in Santa Monica, which offered members a unique opportunity to engage in extended conversations with Special Agent in Charge Joshua Murphy. This enriching gathering allowed alumni to also interact with FBI community outreach representatives and helped to deepen connections and gain valuable insights into the Bureau’s work.
On 8/7, FBI Las Vegas and the FBI Las Vegas Citizens Academy Alumni Association joined together to host a back-to-school supply drive for the Andre Agassi Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada. School supplies were collected by FBI employees and alumni members. The backpacks were then delivered to the Boys and Girls Club and handed out to the members.
Community Outreach Specialist (COS) Tanya Jeter, from FBI Philadelphia, served as a Quantico Class Counselor during the Panamanian Anti-Money Laundering Task Force training session. More than 40 Spanish- speaking Panamanians, representing both the law enforcement and legal community, attended the two-week session. Previously, COS Jeter served as a Quantico Class Counselor for the Kenya Task Force in 2020.
Stay Connected
Subscribe to Email Alerts
- Check the Focus on Outreach box under the News category.
Contact Us
- There are FBI outreach specialists in your community eager to partner with you. Contact your local FBI field office and ask to speak with a community outreach specialist.
