Buffalo, 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.
The program deals with multiple interrelated societal problems in support of the FBI’s investigative mission. It works to build relationships in the community and to share information about the overall mission of the FBI, with the goal of reducing incidents of crime and terrorism.
Youth Outreach
In November 2012, the Buffalo Division of the FBI, Cultures of Giving Legacy Initiative, Buffalo Public Schools, the Erie County Public Safety Building, and FBI Forensic Examiner Deneen Hernandez presented a “Success Looks Like Me” event for students from the Native American Magnet School. The presentation was also streamed live to various Buffalo Public Schools classrooms.
FBI-SOS Internet Challenge
The FBI-SOS (Safe Online Surfing) Internet Challenge is a free, educational, fun online program that promotes cyber citizenship and teaches students in 3rd through 8th grades how to recognize and respond to online dangers. Sponsored and managed by the FBI, the program provides vital Internet safety guidance in an interesting, competitive format. Learn more here.
Citizens Academy
The Citizens Academy is a stimulating program that provides business, religious, civic, news media, and community leaders with an inside look at the FBI. Participants gain insight into the structure and operation of an FBI field office; learn the legal basis for the FBI’s jurisdiction and issues relating to congressional oversight; and hear about the services that the men and women of the FBI provide to local and state law enforcement agencies.
We recently completed our 22nd session of the FBI Buffalo Citizens Academy with 22 graduates. Since 1998, we have graduated almost 500 participants of the Citizens Academy. The next Citizens Academy will take place in the fall of 2013 in Rochester, NY.
Community Relations Executive Seminar Training (CREST)
The CREST program is conducted in partnership with a community group at a location of its choosing. It exposes community leaders to the FBI, our people, and our operations while building mutual trust and goodwill. The CREST curriculum instructs students about the mission, goals, history, and internal workings of the FBI. It is customized to meet the needs of each organization. Any two to four of the following topics may be selected:
Counterterrorism
Foreign Counterintelligence
Cyber Crimes
Public Corruption
Major Thefts/Violent Crimes
White Collar Crime
Civil Rights
Gangs
Drugs
Civil Rights
Recruitment and Hiring
Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA)
Every year, each Special Agent in Charge across the nation selects and publicly recognizes one individual or organization whose achievements in the area of terrorism, crime, drug, gang, or violence prevention and/or education have had a positive impact on the community.
In 2012, the Buffalo Division recognized Nestor Hernandez, former executive director of the Belle Center and current Associate Vice President of People, Inc.
In 2011, the Buffalo Division presented the Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) to Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Joseph M. Tripi.
Continuing Initiatives
Meet with minority groups and civic organizations to discuss partnerships and FBI community events
Partner with local organizations to host town hall meetings to dialogue on key issues
FBI special agents and professional staff visit schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, and civic events to discuss emerging crime threats and to provide specific advice on how to prevent being victimized
Support the Buffalo Citizens Academy Alumni Association, which assists the FBI to promote a safe community by educating business, media, minority, religious, government, and other community leaders
Partnering with the American Football Coaches Association and its National Child Identification Program to distribute Child ID kits at various venues and events
Serve on committees and boards for businesses, schools, community groups, faith-based organizations, and health services to bring clothing, food, and gifts to the less fortunate year round
Collaborate on various youth-based programming initiatives
Public Speakers
We offer public speakers on a limited basis on a variety of topics pertaining to the FBI’s investigative mission. To request a speaker, please complete this form and submit it by mail or fax to:
FBI Buffalo Division
Attention: Speech Request
One FBI Plaza
Buffalo, NY 14202
Fax: (716) 843-4341
Please note: FBI Buffalo requires six weeks’ advance notice for all requests for speakers. All requests are subject to availability.