The Phoenix Division Community Outreach Program (COP) provides outreach to the community through the FBI’s established partnerships, community, and school-based programs.  The COP assists in the reduction of crime, drugs, terrorism, hate/bias, gangs, and violence in the school system and in the community.

The FBI Citizens’ Academy was established in 1993 at the Phoenix Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a part of it’s Community Outreach Program.  To date, this initiative has met with substantial success and continues to grow in interest and local impact.  The FBI Citizens’ Academy offers Phoenix area citizens an opportunity to have a first-hand look at the FBI from an organization and operational standpoint.  Students are presented a general overview of all areas of investigative responsibility of the FBI.  Phoenix Division hosts one academy per year, eight weeks in length.  Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Have an interest in community affairs & current issues that affect the state and nation,
• A recognized business, religious, or community leader from a diverse population,
• Live and/or work within the Division's jurisdiction,
• Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age,
• Have no prior felony or serious misdemeanor convictions,
• Have no misdemeanor or felony arrests within six (6) months of application,
• Consent to a criminal records check,
• Sign a Waiver Statement in regard to the criminal records check, and
• Agree to attend all sessions with two excused absences.
  

This program is designed to reach “at risk” youth and encourage them to stay away from drugs, gangs and violence.  In 1998, the Phoenix Division adopted a fifth grade class at Nevitt Elementary and two years later, a group of sixth graders at Sacaton Middle School.  Special Agents and numerous Professional Support staff, along with the Community Outreach Specialist, travel to the schools to conduct the lessons.  The lessons include topics such as Physical Fitness, Drug Prevention, Gang Prevention, Description of each Squad, Agent Qualifications, Fingerprint Identification, Internet Safety, Anger Management, Self-Esteem, Teasing & Rumors, Polygraph, & Bullying.  The Jr. Special Agents make a special trip to the Field Office for an office tour and end the program with a Graduation ceremony.
 

The Teen Academy provides teens between the ages of 13 – 18 an inside look at the FBI and offers a glimpse into the field of law enforcement as a career choice.  During this one day academy, Phoenix Division employees give presentations on Terrorism, Evidence Response Team, Internet, Applicants, Polygraph and SWAT.
 

Director’s Community Leadership Award – 2008

The recipient of the Director's Community Leadership Award 2008 was Sheriff Clarence W. Dupnik, a veteran of law enforcement for over 50 years. Details