Info: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Citizens’ Academy

ATF LOS ANGELES HOSTS CITIZENS’ ACADEMY - LOS ANGELES –

What: John A. Torres, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Los Angeles Field Division announced today that the “ATF Citizens’ Academy” presented by the Los Angeles Field Division is scheduled for January 28 through March 11.
Why: The academy’s goal is to create a greater understanding of ATF’s role in the community through education and open discussion.
“The Citizens’ Academy provides local business, civic, religious and community
leaders an inside look at federal law enforcement in general and ATF in particular,”
Torres said. “The overall goal is build relationships and understanding between ATF and
the community to further help citizens make their communities a better and safer place.”
When, Where, How: The Citizens’ Academy is hosted two times each year and is open to
approximately 30 students per class. Students must be civic, religious or community
leaders, be at least 21 years old, with no felony convictions. The class meets weekly for
approximately three hours and lasts seven weeks. Some of the topics covered include:
• ATF history, mission and jurisdiction
• Firearms/Explosives regulations
• Federal Firearms/Explosives Licensee Inspections
• Violent Crime Impact Teams
• Firearms safety and firearms familiarization/range day
• Certified Explosive Specialist program
• Explosives detection canine program
• Special Response Team (SWAT) and tactical simulation exercise
• Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) program
• National Response Team (Arson)
The next Citizens’ Academy is scheduled for Fall of 2009.
For additional information: Please contact the Los Angeles Field Division at (818) 265-2500. For more information about ATF and its programs visit www.atf.gov.