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.
As a group of college students talked together, there was a sudden interruption. A phone call notified the group of a mock bombing. They were to report to the site immediately to begin investigating
This was the scene during a recent Collegiate Academy held at the Cincinnati Field Office.
“The Collegiate Academy in Cincinnati highlighted the importance of the FBI’s community outreach programs which not only serve as an introduction to the FBI’s mission and capabilities, but to our culture and our values,” stated Assistant Special Agent in Charge Zrinka Dilber.
The comprehensive program included several interactive activities. Here, students debriefed after recovering evidence during a mock crime scene.
The students worked with Evidence Response Team (ERT) members to carefully process the scenes for important evidence, while sharing details with the local command post. The clues they located revealed important information about possible suspects. Teams of aspiring agents were assigned to interview key witnesses and gather additional leads.
Working with intelligence analysts, staff operations specialists, and the division’s chief division counsel (CDC), the teams charged ahead in their investigation. Soon, details emerged that the main subject may be at a hotel in the city. SWAT was called and after a short stand-off, the suspect surrendered.
Handcuffed to the bar in the secure interview room, the interrogation began. Surprisingly, the suspect was willing to speak to the interviewers and rant about his perceived grievances. With a confession in hand, the agents discussed applicable charges with the CDC. The team had solved the case in just a couple of hours.
“It was really refreshing to see the enthusiasm the college students have for our agency and the various jobs we do,” said the Cincinnati chief division counsel who advised the students on legal issues during the investigation. “Right from the start they had a ton of questions and were genuinely curious. The different perspectives brought a fun dynamic to the exercise, and everyone got to play a role.”
“I enjoyed the mock investigation at the FBI Collegiate Academy because it provided hands-on experience in applying investigative techniques and problem-solving skills in a realistic scenario,” stated a Miami University (OH) student. “The immersion in the role of an FBI agent felt incredibly authentic, as we were given access to real case studies, tools, and methodologies used by professionals in the field. It truly felt like stepping into the shoes of an FBI employee, which heightened the learning experience and solidified my interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement.”
The mock investigation may have been the most exciting night of the six-week Collegiate Academy, but each session was geared toward sharing information and helping the students learn. Twenty-seven students from seven different colleges and universities participated in the program where students learned more about the FBI’s mission and structure, investigative work, and career opportunities. They also participated in a resume workshop and informational interviews to hone their skills.
A student participating in FBI Cincinnati’s Collegiate Academy searches a vehicle as part of a mock crime scene.
The students came from different backgrounds and majors. They included a student who moved from Ghana to the U.S. his senior year in high school and is majoring in economics and international studies; a cybersecurity major involved in coding and women’s cyber groups; and a criminal justice and digital media major who wants to be a forensic artist.
A Cedarville University student stated, “The collegiate academy program was a golden opportunity for anybody looking to get involved with the FBI. It offered extremely beneficial information about the application process, realistic expectations for the job, and more that you wouldn’t otherwise find anywhere else. As someone with a dream of playing my own part for the FBI one day, I am grateful to have been allowed to participate, learn, and meet the amazing minds behind the scenes.”
The Cincinnati Field Office is planning to host a Collegiate Academy again next year in a different Ohio city to allow more students to participate. Several of the recent participants have already signed on to help plan the next session and encourage other students on their campuses to apply.
On April 19, FBI Director Christopher Wray honored people and organizations from across the United States who help strengthen communities and reduce crime and violence with Director’s Community Leadership Awards (DCLA).
Since 1990, FBI field offices have chosen award recipients on behalf of the current Director.
This year’s recipients were recognized for a broad range of efforts, including building bridges between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, combatting human trafficking and providing resources to victims, and supporting local youth programs.
View the full list of 2023 award recipients to learn more about them and the organizations they represent.
FBI Director Wray and the 2023 Director’s Community Leadership Award recipients pose for a group photo at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., on April 19, 2024
The FBI and the Blacks in Government (BIG) Future Leaders in America’s Government (FLAG) program recently signed a memorandum of understanding to acknowledge their relationship and to encourage more cooperative activities between the two organizations.
BIG’s FLAG mission is to create a formal youth structure within BIG’s membership to help prepare a new generation of American leaders to act as advocates for the employment and general welfare of Blacks employed by federal, state, and local governments. The FBI is an
intelligence-driven and threat-focused national security organization with both intelligence and law enforcement responsibilities. The FBI’s mission is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States.
“One of the primary goals of the FBI Community Relations Program is to create and strengthen relationships with organizations dedicated to advocacy,” said Cathy Milhoan, assistant director of the FBI’s Office of Public Affairs. “We look forward to the continued collaboration with BIG and to the impact their FLAG program will have in the future.”
FBI Office of Public Affairs Assistant Director Cathy Milhoan and Management and Program Analyst Lorie Campbell welcomed the executive leadership of Blacks in Government to FBI Headquarters to sign a memorandum of understanding, which encourages more collaborative activities between the two organizations.
“Blacks In Government was born for advocacy. And we believe our strongest advocacy is working to ensure that all government employees have an equal opportunity and the tools they need to not just succeed, but to soar,” said Blacks In Government National President Shirley A. Jones, Esq. “That advocacy extends to ensuring a diverse cadre of future leaders also have those tools through our
Future Leaders in America’s Government (FLAG) program. We are simply honored to have the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s support for this effort.”
Under the MOU, the FBI will share information with BIG’s FLAG program about a variety of FBI internships and programs open to college students as well as hiring opportunities for seniors and recent graduates. The FBI will provide webinars focused on the FBI’s mission, awareness information, hiring, and application processes
to members of the BIG FLAG program.
BIG FLAG will disseminate FBI materials and communications related to collegiate academy and job opportunities; partner with the FBI in establishing outreach opportunities with BIG FLAG members to increase awareness of the FBI and its mission; and invite the FBI to public policy forums, conferences, and trainings.
In honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the FBI wants to remind friends, family, and loved ones of older Americans to know the signs of elder fraud.
While elder abuse can be perpetuated in any number of ways, the FBI has seen a double-digit increase in financial fraud involving older adults, prompting efforts from the Bureau to bring public awareness to this type of crime.
According to the FBI’s latest Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) data, there have already been $1.6 billion in losses from January to May of 2024, up nearly $300 million from the same time period last year. In 2023, a total of $3.4 billion losses were reported, and elder fraud complaints increased by 14% from the year prior.
Criminal actors frequently target older adults, who they perceive to be more vulnerable and trusting. Criminal actors may also assume older adults have considerable financial savings, own real estate, have good credit, and are less likely to report fraud, especially if they feel ashamed following the fraud victimization or are unfamiliar with reporting channels such as ic3.gov.
Among the most common elder fraud schemes reported to ic3.gov in 2023 were tech support scams, confidence and romance scams, investment scams, and government impersonation scams. From 2021 to 2023, elder adult victim and dollar losses to investment scams has sharply increased. Victimization and losses increased 209% and 419%, respectively, more than any other kind of fraud, largely because of the rising use of cryptocurrency.
Combatting elder fraud continues to be a priority for the Department of Justice, which operates the Elder Justice Initiative. The Elder Justice Initiative supports and coordinates the DOJ’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, and financial fraud and scams that target our nation’s seniors.
If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, contact your local FBI office or submit a complaint on ic3.gov. You should 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.<p>While elder abuse can be perpetuated in any number of ways, the FBI has seen a double-digit increase in financial fraud involving older adults, prompting efforts from the Bureau to bring public awareness to this type of crime.
More than 70 students from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ National Internship Program (HNIP) visited FBI Headquarters as part of a continued partnership that provides outreach activities, information about Bureau careers and more to their membership.
The Human Resources Division’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee teamed with FBI Pride to host the first FBI booth at Capital Pride since 2018. The FBI’s participation in events like Capital Pride demonstrates their commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. It sends a message that the agency values diversity and is dedicated to creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feel respected and supported.
Additionally, by engaging with the community at events like Capital Pride, the FBI can build trust and strengthen relationships, which is crucial for effective law enforcement efforts.
Capital Pride
Capital Pride is coordinated by the Capital Pride Alliance (CPA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, through educational programs, major events, fundraising, outreach, and advocacy. It also provides platforms for visibility and supports the work of its many community organizations and local businesses. Since the first celebration in 1975, the festival has grown to nearly 650,000 attendees. It is the largest attended festival of any kind in the National Capital Region.
FBI Pride
FBI Pride is an independent employee resource group run by Bureau employees. According to its SharePoint site, FBI Pride, “supports the FBI in the development and implementation of effective policies and practices for the elimination of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in all FBI Activities.” FBI Pride co-chair Kali Winn worked closely with HRD’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee to organize and staff
FBI volunteers joined the LGBTQIA+ community at Capital Pride, where the Bureau’s booth attracted many interested festival-goers
According to Winn, “Having the FBI represented at Capital Pride represents the progress the FBI has made in recognizing and supporting our LGBTQIA+ workforce. I was able to talk to hundreds of people who had never considered the FBI as a diverse workplace, and some of those folks are now considering jobs with us. Beyond the recruitment potential, several people came up to me and expressed their gratitude that the FBI showed up to Capital Pride. This was a great opportunity to show our support for the LGBTQIA+ community and highlight the FBI’s ongoing efforts to represent the communities we serve.”
A Busy Day
FBI volunteers arrived at 11:00 a.m. to set up the booth and prepare for the noon opening of the festival. However, soon after their arrival and long before the opening, festival-goers were already approaching the booth to chat with Bureau team members. The pace of visitors to the booth and area out in front only increased as the day continued. At the 7:00 p.m. close, DC Pride Festival Staff had to politely ask the booth to “wrap it up”, as FBI volunteers were still engaged with interested festival attendees.
From all accounts it truly seemed an inspiring and affirming day, where bonds were strengthened, stories were shared, and the spirit of unity prevailed. As we look forward, the FBI’s participation in events like DC Pride serve as a reminder of the power of representation and the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive workplace.
In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, FBI Anchorage employees promoted FBI careers and community outreach programs in an information booth at the Pacific Island Cultural Flag Day community event in Anchorage. The event was hosted by the Polynesian Association of Alaska, and co-hosted by the Korean American Community of Anchorage, Tongan Community of Alaska, and more.
Boston Division personnel were invited to attend an Iftar celebration at the Al-Masjid Al-Qutbi Mosque. The Iftar included remarks from FBI Boston’s Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen, a recitation of the Quran, a video presentation about the Dawoodi Bohra Community, and a delicious dinner celebration after sundown and prayers. (Pictured: SAC Jodi Cohen/SSRA Chris Gianakura)
On March 7, FBI Charlotte’s Special Agent in Charge Robert DeWitt attended the 49th Annual North Carolina Indian Unity Conference in Charlotte, NC. SAC DeWitt brought greetings on behalf of the FBI and discussed the role of the FBI in the community, specifically the Native American community. The FBI’s attendance made a huge impression within the community by letting the Native American community know that they have not been forgotten.
Graduates and current members of the Buffalo FBI Citizens Academy come together to attend a multi-faith FBI Safety at Houses of Worship program hosted at Temple Beth Tzedek by the Jewish Federation of Buffalo.
FBI Boston hosted a quarterly Community Engagement Council Meeting with community members from the Boston Field Office Community Engagement Council (CEC). The purpose of the meeting was to establish new relationships and strengthen existing relationships by listening to the concerns of the community members, providing education about the FBI’s outreach and investigative efforts, and laying the groundwork for future two-way engagement with the community leaders throughout the Boston Field Office’s four-state region. Representatives from the African American, Pakistan, Arab Muslim, Jewish, Native Indian, Chinese, Sikh, and Turkish communities were in attendance. (pictured SAC Jodi Cohen)
FBI Charlotte was honored to be invited to help celebrate the Cambodian New Year. The multiday celebration is a special time to celebrate the vibrance of Cambodian culture. May the year of the dragon bring happiness, good health, and opportunity to all.
On April 13, FBI Chicago and the National Panhellenic Council of Chicago held a career fair and community forum at the DuSable Black History Museum & Education Center. Representatives from the U.S. Probation Office, U.S. Courts, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Secret Service, DEA Chicago, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, IRS: Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Illinois State Police, Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office were also on hand for the event.
FBI Buffalo and Infragard hosted a cyber workshop at the Rochester Institute for Technology on Low-Tech Explanations of High-Tech Threats. The workshop was designed for businesses, organizations, and schools to come together to hear about several growing cyber trends and how they can protect their infrastructures.
FBI Kansas City, in partnership with the FBI Kansas City Citizens Academy Alumni Association, participated in a diaper drive for Happy Bottoms with local law enforcement agencies.
This spring, FBI Philadelphia hosted a Citizens Academy where community leaders learned about the Bureau’s mission. The graduates also got to visit the Evidence Response Team headquarters to test their crime-scene processing skills.
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