FBI Citizens' Academy

What is the FBI Citizens' Academy?

It is a Community Outreach Program of the Seattle Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation which provides an inside look at Federal law enforcement and the FBI family. It's designed to promote a more informed community through educating business, labor, media, minority, government, religious, and community leaders in the Seattle area about federal law enforcement issues and challenges. This Academy allows you to meet and interact with personnel of the FBI Seattle Division in a positive and informal setting, sharing ideas and information.

History of the Citizen's Academy...

The Citizen's Academy within the FBI began in 1993 in the Phoenix division when the Special Agent in Charge wanted to strengthen the field office's relationship with the community. The Academy was modeled after one run by a local police department.

What is the purpose of the FBI Citizens Academy?

The FBI Citizens Academy creates a closer connection between the FBI Seattle Division and the surrounding community through an educational process; fosters greater understanding of the role of FBI policies and programs through frank interactive discussions; and expands the pool of community leaders who understand first-hand the complex challenges of Federal law enforcement through examination of actual FBI investigations.

What will be discussed?

FBI Citizens Academy presenters and instructors will be FBI Certified Police Instructors augmented by experienced supervisors or special agents. Each class will cover some or all of the following topics:

• Firearms Training System, Deadly Force Policy, Recruiting/Applicants, National Academy, Cooperation & Assistance between FBI and State, Local or other Federal law enforcement agencies
• Economic Crimes, Health Care Fraud, Financial Institutions Fraud, Civil Rights and Hate Crimes
• Computer Intrusion Investigations, Computer Evidence (CART), Economic Espionage, Evidence Response Team, National Foreign Intelligence
• Violent Crimes, Bank Robbery, Fugitives, Evidence Recovery, Negotiation Teams
• Organized Crime, Money Laundering and Drug Investigations
• Domestic and International Terrorism; Firearms Safety, SWAT, Firearms participation
• Evidence Response Team and HazMat Response Team demonstrations

What will be my time commitment if I want to attend?

You should be ready to attend seven weekly sessions of 3 hours each at the Seattle FBI Office, plus one Saturday session at the FBI Firearms Training Facility.

How long is the FBI Citizens Academy?

The FBI Citizens Academy is eight weeks long, held in the Spring.

How do I enroll in the FBI Citizens Academy?

Participants are chosen by the Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle FBI Office from a list of Candidates nominated by FBI supervisors and employees. For more information on enrolling, please contact our Community Outreach Specialist at (206) 262-2512.

When and where does the FBI Citizens Academy meet?

Citizens Academy class sessions will meet from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (tentatively), once a week, for seven weeks at FBI Seattle Headquarters, located at 1110 Third Avenue in downtown Seattle. One additional session will take place on a Saturday at the FBI Seattle Firearms Training Facility.

Will graduation from the FBI Citizens Academy help me to become a Special Agent?

No. This is an FBI Community Outreach Program with a goal of helping the many diverse communities within Seattle to become aware of FBI professionalism and how FBI core values apply in every aspect of our work. It is not a Special Agent's class.

Contact Information

Please call our Community Outreach Specialist at (206) 262-2512