Memphis Division supports
the communities within its territory in a variety of ways through the
Community Outreach Program. In the past, the division has participated
in community events including Law Enforcement Advocating Peace Fest,
anti-crime marches, Safety City Program, National Night Out events,
Boy Scout Jamborees, the Nashville Crime and Safety Fair, and "Race
Against Drugs" events. Office tours and guest speakers for community
meetings and career days are arranged through the office Community Outreach
Specialist. Specific programs in the division include the following:
Adopt-A-School Program
-- Employees in the Memphis
office adopted Frayser Elementary School in 1992. Since that time, employees
have assisted the school in a variety of ways, concentrating primarily
on drug prevention and awareness of law enforcement careers. Every October
the office participates in "Red Ribbon Week" by visiting each
classroom and passing out red ribbons to students to remind them of
the importance of remaining drug free. In the spring the FBI sponsors
an essay contest for older students on the topic of being a responsible
citizen, tying together concepts learned throughout the year. Contest
winners spend the day in the office "shadowing" an FBI employee.
Other activities have included a "Race Against Drugs" poster
contest and "Read Across America."
Citizens'
FBI Academy -- Memphis
Division held its first Citizens' FBI Academy the fall of 1998 in Memphis,
Tennessee. The goal of the Citizens' FBI Academy is to foster a greater
understanding of the FBI's role in the community and to open lines of
communication between the FBI and those it serves. Participants learn
about the laws, rules, guidelines, and procedures federal investigators
must follow; FBI jurisdiction; operations and programs; firearms safety;
and investigative techniques. To date, Memphis has held four Citizens'
FBI Academies, three in Memphis and one in Nashville.
Junior Special Agent
Program -- A Junior Special
Agent Program was held at the Dixie Homes Boys & Girls Club in Memphis
in 1998 and 1999 as an after-school program. Children in the program
learned about the FBI, the duties of a Special Agent, fingerprinting,
gun safety, drug use, and anger management. The Dixie Homes Boys &
Girls Club received the Director's Community Leadership Award in 1999
for its efforts to help boys and girls become contributing citizens.