MIDLAND, Texas —
Since the Federal Bureau of Investigation was created in July 1908, it has been a vital source for fighting crime in the United States. Its high-profile cases such as the arrest of Al Capone in the 1920s that have led to many blockbuster movies and television series.
The Hollywood magic might be great entertainment to watch, but it has also dimmed the light on the reality of the FBI.
Through the FBI Citizens Academy, people can go through two days of training to see just how the bureau fights crime.
“Dispel some of those myths about what we call the CSI effect. I think people have expectations that when they see things on a television program. That that’s exactly what they should expect when coming to an FBI event, and it's not always that way,” Midland/Alpine resident agencies Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Cory Richardson, said.
In the two-day training, participants will go through a series of stations: a shooting range, bomb detection, evidence response team and “Shoot or Don’t Shoot” simulator.
Additionally, Richardson said it’s a community outreach program for people to\ better understand behind the scenes of the FBI and build positive relationships in the community.
“To be able to integrate with the community and their peers out there, to help develop relationships and partnerships on behalf of the bureau. There are ambassadors so to speak,” he said.
In order to be a part of the program, a person cannot have any outstanding warrants or a criminal record and must be nominated by an FBI agent or an alumnus of the FBI Citizens Academy.