U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation

7820 Arlington Expressway
Suite 200
Jacksonville, Florida 32211

August 14, 2006

FBI Announces Formation of Citizens Academy

The FBI announced today that the opening session of its 2006 Citizen's Academy will be held on the evening of Tuesday, August 15, at 6:00 p.m.

The Academy provides business and community leaders with an inside look at the Bureau's operations, offering participants the opportunity to gain an understanding of the FBI's mission in a variety of areas.

"We have several goals in hosting the Academy," said Michael J. Folmar, Special Agent in Charge of the Jacksonville Division. "We hope to foster a greater understanding of the FBI's role in the community, enhance lines of communication, and increase interaction between the FBI and those we serve."

Over the course of six weeks, class members will learn how the FBI is changing to meet today's challenges, and those that lie ahead. The sessions will include demonstrations by some of the FBI's specialized units, such as SWAT and Evidence Response teams, and will provide members with opportunities to participate in firearms training.

Class members in the Academy were selected on an invitation-only basis and were required to undergo a security screening process.

The first segment of Tuesday's session is open to the media. Interested media members should contact Special Agent Jeff Westcott at (904)727-6121 to advise of their plans to attend.