Blog - Community Policing & Neighborhood Watch

Indianapolis, 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 goal is to enhance and maintain public trust and confidence in the FBI by sharing information widely and externally about our mission, accomplishments, operations, and values. We focus our efforts in three general areas: schools, communities, and the workplace—cooperating with other federal, state, and local agencies that strive to provide healthier lifestyles for our community’s youth. If law enforcement is to truly contribute to our nation’s fight against crime, drugs, gangs, and violence, we must build partnerships to reach out to the young people we are sworn to serve. We accomplish this objective through classroom visits and junior and senior high school career fairs. We also manage relationships with national minority, ethnic, and community-based groups and organizations, the general public, and the private sector to create better relations between the FBI and the public. The Indianapolis Division enhances community relations through our Citizens’ Academy; coordinates meetings, special events, and public appearances; and promotes esprit de corps for employees and the community through special programs. Citizens Academy Through our Citizens Academy, we reach out to community, business, and minority leaders throughout the state. The program strengthens relationships between the FBI and the community and educates citizens at large by providing substantive presentations that explain our efforts to combat crime and preserve national security. Since our academy was launched in 2001, we have graduated 361 participants. The course runs for seven consecutive weeks, meeting weekly for three-and-a-half hours. Subject matter experts address topics such as terrorism; counterintelligence; violent, organized, and white-collar crime; drugs; and civil rights. Members and their guests participate in hands-on activities—including firearms and training simulators—to give them an idea of the challenges law enforcement officers face daily. By opening our doors to members of the community, we promote a better public awareness of the FBI. The Academy allows participants to meet and interact with Indianapolis personnel in a positive and informal setting, sharing ideas and information. Not only can we dispel many myths and misgivings about the FBI, but we can articulate its commitment to the community. In turn, the Academy has been a catalyst in creating and enhancing our community outreach efforts. Academy graduates have the opportunity to become members of the Citizens Academy Foundation Alumni Association, formed by the graduates of our inaugural class. The association allows alumni to stay in touch with and receive updates from the FBI, to meet regularly to network, and to provide funding for future academy sessions. How can you get involved? You must: Be at least 21 years of age; Have no prior felony convictions; Live and/or work within jurisdiction of the field office; and Pass a limited background investigation. To apply, complete the application (pdf) and forward it with a copy of your bio or résumé to Community Outreach Specialist Kathryn Sipes. Citizens Academy graduates visiting FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. and the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Special Events We participate in community meetings and festivals throughout the state. These special events allow division personnel to interact with community residents, to exchange ideas, and to discuss the FBI’s mission. Recent events include the National Night Out Against Crime, National Peace Officers’ Memorial Week, and the Mayor’s Commission on Latino Affairs Latino Forum. To request the FBI’s participation in your community event, forward your written request to Community Outreach Specialist Kathryn Sipes. Public Appearances On request, special agents and professional support staff are available to make public presentations on FBI matters to schools, businesses, and community organizations. We will make every effort to provide a speaker; however, due to the volume of requests, speaker availability, and budget matters, it is not possible to honor all requests. To request a speaker for your organization, please forward your written request to Community Outreach Specialist . Special Programs The FBI recognizes the achievements of individuals or organizations in the community who provide outstanding service by presenting the annual Director’s Community Leadership Award. This award is given to those who are actively involved in drug, gang, crime, and violence education and prevention. The 2012 Director’s Community Leadership Award recipient is youth advocate Catherine Danyluk, the chief state attendance officer for the Indiana Department of Education and a juvenile justice specialist. Our personnel participate in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, which raises money and awareness for Special Olympic athletes in Indiana. Law enforcement personnel from around the state carry the “Flame of Hope” (see below) to the opening ceremonies of the Indiana Summer Games. Participants donate their time and money to benefit the nearly 12,000 Indiana athletes. The Indianapolis Division hosts more than 500 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and other friends of the Bureau at its annual Summer Picnic. Attendees gather to network and visit with old friends. We offer a limited number of office tours each year. Tour sizes cannot exceed 20 people and are coordinated according to staff availability. Written requests must be sent to Community Outreach Specialist Kathryn Sipes at least 30 days in advance. Contact Indianapolis Community Outreach Community Outreach Specialist 8825 Nelson B Klein Pkwy Indianapolis, IN 46250 Phone: (317) 845-7035 Fax: (317) 845-7105

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