The Outreach Newsletter
Outreach in Action: Jackson
In November, staff from FBI Jackson attended a Diwali event at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Hundreds of participants lit candles, made wishes, and held a prayer ceremony. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is an important day in the Hindu calendar with a focus on messages of faith, hope, goodness, and community.
Outreach in Action: Detroit
FBI Detroit partnered with Vernor Elementary School to host a Junior Special Agent Program to 43 third-grade students. Over six sessions, the students learned about Bureau careers, bullying, internet safety, and FBI investigative techniques through briefings and interactive demonstrations.
Outreach in Action: Norfolk
In November, FBI Norfolk attended the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Corn Harvest Pow Wow in Courtland, Virginia. Staff shared information about FBI careers, the Honors Internship Program, and the various FBI Community Outreach programs. Pictured is a young Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) dancer trying on an FBI vest.
Outreach in Action: Detroit
FBI Detroit employees attended the MiCareerQuest Southeast 2024. More than 8,000 high school students and chaperones learned about over 200 high-demand career opportunities. The Bureau team earned the event’s Student Choice Award for top technology organization.
Outreach in Action: WFO
Employees at the Washington Field Office collected nearly 2,000 books for students in the local area. Staff visited J.C. Nalle Elementary School in Washington to deliver the books to children participating in the FBI’s Junior Special Agent program, an initiative that teaches students about conflict resolution and drug and violence prevention.
Outreach in Action: Seattle
In October, FBI Seattle hosted 34 high school juniors and seniors from across the state of Washington for its Teen Academy program. Participants engaged in ERT and SWAT activities and learned about other law enforcement and investigative functions of the Bureau.
The Outreach: Newark Refresher Training Class
The FBI Newark Community Outreach Program and the Newark Citizens Academy Alumni Association hosted its annual Refresher Training Conference, inviting all past Citizens Academy graduates to reconnect and consider joining Newark’s alumni association.
The Outreach: In Memorium
Recent FBI Teen Academy graduate Aleena Pintor passed away in San Diego. Aleena, a 17-year-old student of The Learning Choice Academy in La Mesa, was set to graduate from high school this year and was interested in becoming an FBI agent. The outreach team in San Diego shared photos of Aleena at these events with the Pintor family, who greatly appreciated this special tribute to Aleena’s memory.
Employees From FBI Headquarters’ Community Relations Unit Visits Germany for Inaugural Citizens Academy
After a year in the making, Oberbilk, Germany, debuted its pilot version of Citizens Academy—Project Eqal—in December. The program aims to develop a neighborhood-based exchange and learning experience to help promote understanding between law enforcement and local communities.
The Outreach: Stacie Ward
FBI Charlotte Community Outreach Specialist Stacie Ward was named a Community Champion during the NAACP Charlotte-Mecklenburg Branch’s Annual Freedom Fund awards banquet.
Board Members from the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association Visit FBI Headquarters
In November 2024, members of the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) traveled to FBI Headquarters to meet with Cathy Milhoan, assistant director of the FBI’s Office of Public Affairs, and to sign a memorandum of agreement formalizing the relationship between the FBI and the FBINCAAA. Then-Director Christopher Wray and then-Deputy Director Paul Abbate greeted the members.
Outreach in Action: Albuquerque
Employees from FBI Albuquerque, FBI Portland, and FBI Headquarters staffed a booth at the world-renowned Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. More than 800,000 attendees watched 551 hot air balloons from around the globe take flight. Bureau employees shared safety tips and information about outreach programming and FBI jobs.
Outreach in Action: CJIS
Personnel from the FBI CJIS Division joined the local FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association on a visit to the Genesis Youth Crisis Center. They enjoyed time with 35 residents and visited with On Eagles’ Wings Therapeutic Mini Horses, an organization that provides a safe environment through equine-assisted activities.
Outreach in Action: Anchorage
FBI Anchorage staffed a booth at the 2024 Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, focusing on recruiting and community outreach with the Alaska Native community.
Outreach in Action: Buffalo
FBI Buffalo community outreach specialists collaborated with the City of Buffalo and Buffalo Public Schools to conduct a Faith and Blue event at East Community High School.
Outreach in Action: Cincinnati
Even the Bearcat wants to join the FBI! Staff from FBI Cincinnati participated in the University of Cincinnati’s police demo day. Employees were on hand to showcase some of the Bureau’s gear and share career opportunities with students.
The Outreach - FBI Springfield
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.
The Outreach - FBI Salt Lake CityThe Outreach - FBI Salt Lake City
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!
The Outreach - FBI Philadelphia
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.
The Outreach - FBI Tampa
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 Outreach - FBI Salt Lake City
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.
The Outreach - FBI Springfield
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.
The Outreach - Spring 2024
For a Latinas in Tech fireside chat, Executive Assistant Director Arlene Gaylord shared her inspiring journey from intern to the FBI’s first Latina EAD.
The Outreach - Spring 2024
Georgia State Rep. Farooq Mughal hosted members of the FBI Atlanta Citizens Academy Alumni Association and employees from FBI Atlanta at the state Capitol on February 22.
The Outreach - Spring 2024
On February 14—Ash Wednesday—members of the FBI New York Citizens Academy Alumni Association and the FBI New York Explorers braved the cold weather and worked the food line at St. Francis of Assisi church in Manhattan. They served meals to more than 200 homeless people. The association also handed out Blessing Bags containing socks and toiletries.
The Outreach - Spring 2024
Recognizing the invaluable skills and experience of veterans, the FBI partnered with Veteran Recruiting to provide information and resources for veterans to continue their mission at the FBI.
The Outreach - Spring 2024
Employees from FBI Albuquerque staffed an information booth at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which hosted pilots from 42 states and 12 countries. Bureau personnel shared details about the many programs and job opportunities in the FBI. An estimated 968,516 guests enjoyed the wonder of the event.
The Outreach - Spring 2024
FBI Sacramento hosted an event to help houses of worship and members of faith-based communities learn more about how best to protect themselves against potential acts of hate and violence.
The Outreach - FBI Los Angeles
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.
The Outreach - FBI Minneapolis
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.
The Outreach - FBI Las Vegas
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.
The Outreach - FBI Las Vegas
BI 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.
The Outreach - FBI Minneapolis
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.
The Outreach - FBI Norfolk
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.
The Outreach - FBI New York
On July 29, 2024, 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.
The Outreach - FBI Philadelphia
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.
FBI Atlanta Outreach Specialists Honored
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 Outreach - FBI Anchorage
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.
The Outreach - FBI Chicago
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.
The Outreach - FBI Chicago
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.
The Outreach - FBI Anchorage
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.
The Outreach - Spring 2024
FBI New Haven hosted a holiday gathering for more than 50 alumni from the Future Law Enforcement Youth Academy. The program, typically held at Yale University and open to high school students age 16-18, is held each summer and provides participants with a behind-the-scenes look into the Bureau. FBI New Haven Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller attended the event and heard updates from the former FLEYA students.
The Outreach - Spring 2024
FBI Charlotte along with the FBI Headquarters’ Office of Diversity and Inclusion participated in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) HBCU Campus Road Tour. Founded in 1912 at Hampton University, the CIAA is the nation’s first African American athletic conference; it has 12 HBCU members. The CIAA Basketball Tournament is an annual event that includes the games along with a campus road tour, a symposium, career expo, and VIP receptions.
The Outreach - Spring 2024
FBI Knoxville Special Agent in Charge Joseph Carrico joined Bureau staff and members of the FBI Knoxville Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association to distribute stuffed animals to children at the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Oncology Unit.
The Outreach - Spring 2024
Caption: FBI Norfolk Special Agent in Charge Brian Dugan provides opening remarks for the Civil Rights Symposium held at Norfolk State University on Feb. 24. More than 250 attendees attended the event, where Bureau staff shared a variety of helpful presentations.
The Outreach - Spring 2024
Employees from FBI Sacramento’s Bakersfield Resident Agency accepted an invitation to participate as “celebrity readers” for a third-grade class at Stine Elementary School. They spent the morning visiting with students, reading books aloud, and discussing their roles in the FBI. Other local celebrities from various professions visited schools across Kern County to inspire young minds through reading.
The Outreach - Spring 2024
Bureau employees from FBI Philadelphia collaborated with FBI Headquarters’ Office of Diversity and Inclusion to visit Lincoln University during the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Road Tour. More than 200 students attended this event, which celebrated Black excellence and culture, and learned about FBI career opportunities, the FBI Honors Internship Program, and other collegiate initiatives.
The Outreach - Spring 2024
Rep. Farooq Mughal hosted members of the FBI Atlanta Citizens Academy Alumni Association and Bureau employees at FBI Atlanta at the State Capitol on February 22.
The Outreach - Spring 2024
FBI Albuquerque kicked off a mentorship program at George I. Sanchez (GIS) Collaborative Community School (K-8). FBI Albuquerque Special Agent in Charge Bujanda and Assistant SAC Ruben Marchand Morales provided motivational speeches to the staff and students during the kick-off assembly. Additionally, the FBI Albuquerque Citizens Academy Alumni Association assisted in donating boxes of school supplies to support the classrooms.
The Outreach - Spring 2024
Employees from the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division participated in the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Mega Bed Build near a local hospital. Volunteers assisted in building 300 beds in eight hours for underprivileged children in Harrison County, West Virginia. Founded in 2012, Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a nonprofit organization with more than 270 local chapters across the country.
The Outreach - Spring 2024
In April, FBI Chicago hosted a Youth Academy, where several middle school students received a hands-on demonstration from a member of the Evidence Response Team and learned about online safety tips.
FBI Oklahoma City Youth Academy
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.
FBI Oklahoma City Youth Academy
Students at the FBI Oklahoma City Youth Academy show off the fingerprints they captured from a mock crime scene.
FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association Hosts 17th National Leadership Conference
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.
FBI Buffalo Citizens Academy Alumni Association Visits the United States/Canadian Border
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.
FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association Hosts 17th National Leadership Conference
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.
FBI Buffalo Citizens Academy Alumni Association Visits the United States/Canadian Border
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.
Diwali Celebration in Jackson
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple in Jackson, Mississippi, displays the joy of the Diwali holiday through light, food, and a belief in the triumph of good over evil.
Diwali Celebration in Charlotte
The FBI and families at the Hindu Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, celebrate the holiday of Diwali also known as the “Festival of Lights.”
Diwali Treats in Jackson
Food is an important feature of Diwali celebrations around the world, including at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple in Jackson, Mississippi.
Special Agent Melyas at Diwali Celebration
Supervisory Special Agent Osman Melyas takes part in the important ritual of lighting a candle in a Diwali celebration at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple in Jackson, Mississippi.
FBI Boston Participates in the Play 4 Peace Basketball Tournament
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.
FBI Boston Participates in the Play 4 Peace Basketball Tournament
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.
The Outreach: Atlanta
Recently, the Chick-fil-A security team welcomed the Bureau to its Corporate Support Center for the inaugural Security Showcase. The event introduced corporate personnel to Chick-fil-A’s security partners. FBI Atlanta staff spoke with employees about the FBI’s role in corporate partnerships, community outreach programs, and other partnerships.
The Outreach: Buffalo
FBI Buffalo participated in World Read Aloud Day at Flower City School #54 in Rochester, New York. The annual event is a celebration of literacy, community, and the power of storytelling.
The Outreach: Buffalo
Students from Vertus Charter School in Rochester, New York, learned about the art of dusting for fingerprints during a recent Teen Academy hosted by FBI Buffalo. The event was conducted in partnership with a mentoring program called GoBeyond Rochester.
The Outreach: Cincinnati
The FBI Cincinnati Field Office hosted students from 10 colleges and universities during the recent Collegiate Academy.
The Outreach: New York
On March 10, personnel from FBI New York attended the High-Level Reception and Ramadan Iftar dinner in Manhattan, hosted by the Journalists and Writers Foundation.
The Outreach: New York
The FBI New York Explorers, supported by the local field office and the FBI New York Citizens Academy Alumni Association, recently earned a gold award for their program. Explorers are students between the ages of 15 and 17 who are interested in learning about law enforcement careers. Bureau staff teach Explorers about crime prevention and investigative techniques.
The Outreach: Salt Lake City
FBI Salt Lake City personnel presented information on the critical role of cybersecurity to students at Utah Tech University in St. George. The students also learned how to be safer online.
The Outreach: Salt Lake City
Together with the Utah Department of Workforce Services, employees from FBI Salt Lake City shared information about the Regional Computer Forensics Lab. After the presentation, students were encouraged to try on FBI raid jackets and live their FBI moment.
The Outreach: Anchorage School Presentation
FBI Anchorage conducted an FBI-101 and internet safety presentation—with a focus on sextortion awareness—to over 1,100 students and faculty at a middle school in Anchorage.
The Outreach: Tampa
Alumni from FBI Tampa’s Citizens Academy program served as role players for training with the Hostage Rescue Team and the Special Weapons and Tactics group.
The Outreach: Tampa
Alumni from FBI Tampa’s Citizens Academy program served as role players for training with the Hostage Rescue Team and the Special Weapons and Tactics group.
The Outreach: Tampa
Since 1947, Gasparilla Children’s Parade has entertained crowds with floats, community groups, and more. This year, FBI Tampa partnered with the FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association to walk the 1.5-mile parade route and pass out beads to community members.
The Outreach: Tampa
FBI Tampa hosted a half-day college tour for students from the University of Florida and Saint Leo University. Participants met agents, analysts, operational teams, and professional staff.
The Outreach: Seattle
FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge Mike Herrington and the 2025 graduates of the FBI/Seattle University Practicum received certificate at an awards ceremony in February. The practicum began in 2009 and evolved into a two-day program for graduate and undergraduate students of the Criminal Justice, Criminology and Forensics Department.
The Outreach: Seattle
In March, Kirkland Police Department cadets and officers visited FBI Seattle to learn about the FBI and its mission. The Violent Crimes Against Children squad hosted a roundtable discussion about crimes affecting children, and cadets toured the Ops Center, Command Post, and the State Fusion Center.
The Outreach: San Diego
Staff from FBI San Diego attended the El Centro Airshow. This is the Imperial Valley’s largest one-day event, with nearly 7,500 guests from the local community and beyond. The FBI shared information from fbijobs.gov and the Elder Justice Task Force and let kids try on vests.
The Outreach: San Diego
Retired Special Agent Alex Murray and Special Agent Mike Rod spoke with over 50 participants at the San Diego Oasis Senior Center about how to prevent and avoid elder fraud and scams.
