El Paso, like each of the FBI’s local field offices, has a community outreach program that complements and strengthens our many efforts to protect you, your businesses, and your families in concrete ways through a range of activities and initiatives.

Our recent activities include:
Each year we hold a Citizens’ Academy, bringing together a cross section of community leaders to learn firsthand about our operations and programs, not only demystifying our work but creating new contacts and channels for working together and sharing information. Participants gather once a week for six weeks for three-hour information sessions. The classes are taught by FBI executives and senior special agents. Topics include: international and domestic terrorism; cyber crime; criminal enterprises/violent gangs; white-collar crime; firearms training; and SWAT operations. Potential candidates must be business, civic, religious, or community leaders who are at least 21 years old; have no prior felony convictions; live or work within the jurisdiction of the El Paso office; and must pass a background check.

Among our other ongoing efforts:
Meeting with minority groups and civic organizations to talk about what the FBI can do with them and for them;
Sending our special agents and others from the FBI into schools, businesses, and civic meetings to explain emerging crime and security threats and to provide specific advice on how to prevent being victimized by these threats; Partnering with the American Football Coaches Association and its National Child Identification Program to distribute Child ID kits at El Paso’s annual Texas vs. The Nation all-star football game; and

Hosting a Junior Special Agent program that puts volunteer agents and staff members inside classrooms to mentor and tutor “at risk” kids.

Director’s Community Leadership Award

This program was launched in 1990 to recognize individuals or organizations that have had a positive impact in our community. Over the last few years, the award has gained significant importance and prestige, with the Director of the FBI personally making this presentation to those who have made an impact in the areas of crime reduction, drug deterrence, and other public safety and security initiatives. Our most recent recipient was Ginger Francis, a community philanthropist who has dedicated herself to supporting the city and people of El Paso.

Director’s Community Leadership Award The El Paso Division personnel are available to deliver speeches in a variety of areas concerning FBI jurisdiction, Bureau programs, and crime prevention. Contact Community Outreach Specialist at (915) 832-5376 for more information on how to request speakers.