Seattle, like each of the FBI’s local field offices, has a community outreach program that complements and supports our investigative mission by encouraging strong relationships with the citizens of the state of Washington.

Youth Programs

Each year, we host mentoring programs for local school children, including the Junior Special Agent Program and the Adopt-A-School Program, to raise awareness on the role of the FBI and law enforcement in the community and to provide positive role models.

Director’s Community Leadership Award

The FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge presents the Director’s Community Leadership Award annually to an individual or organization that makes a significant contribution to the welfare and security of the community. This special award, presented on behalf of the Director of the FBI, was created in 1990 as a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America.

The recipient of the Seattle FBI’s 2012 Director’s Community Leadership Award is Martin Sanelli, founder of the Northeast Tacoma Tigers Junior Football Organization.

Seattle Citizens Academy

The Citizens Academy is a program that gives business, civic, community, and religious leaders an inside look at the FBI. Selected attendees are given an overview of the FBI’s structure and jurisdiction in weekly sessions taught by FBI agents. Included in the curriculum are case studies, discussion of legal issues, and presentations by specialized units such as the Evidence Response Team and the SWAT team. Attendees also participate in practical exercises, such as the collection of evidence and the use of firearms.

2012 Seattle Citizens Academy Class
Seattle 2012 Citizens Academy

Each eight-week session is open to approximately 30 attendees and is offered once a year in April. Requirements to attend are as follows:

Must be a business, civic, religious, or community leader;
Must be at least 21 years of age;
Must live or work within the jurisdiction of the Seattle FBI office; and
Must pass a thorough background investigation (including having no prior felony convictions).
For more information or to apply for the next Citizens Academy Program, please contact:

FBI Seattle
Phone: (206) 262-2441
Fax: (206) 262-2046

Note that applications for the yearly April Academy are accepted until January 31st of that year.

Speaker Requests

The FBI provides speakers to schools and community organizations on a limited basis. To request a speaker for an event, use the contact information below. Please allow 21 days advance notice.

FBI Seattle
Phone: (206) 262-2441
Fax: (206) 262-2046