The mission is achieved by the public release of information through the media and direct contact with the public through presentations, tours and the Internet. Highlights of the program are:

FBI Citizen's Academy
The Tampa Citizens' Academy was initiated in 2002. The goal is to increase public awareness about the role of the FBI and to strengthen our relationship within our community. We encourage business, religious, civic, and community leaders to get an inside look into the FBI. The annual program is typically for eight consecutive weeks, one night a week from 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. To date more than 120 community leaders have graduated from Tampa Citizens' Academy.

Director's Community Leadership Award
The Tampa Field Office has annually recognized the outstanding achievements of an individual/organization who were actively involved in education/prevention of terrorism, crime, gang and violence with the presentation of the Director's Community Leadership Award.

Speakers Bureau
FBI personnel provide a vast source of knowledge about numerous FBI topics to schools, businesses, special interest groups and the community. Requests must be received at least four weeks prior to the event and on official business/organizational letterhead. Tampa Field Office will make every effort to ensure a speaker, but due to the volume of requests and availability of personnel, filling all requests may not be possible.

Tours
The Tampa Field Office offers tours of their state of the art 138,000 square foot building located at 5525 W. Gray Street in Tampa. Tour size cannot exceed more than 15 people. Written requests must be sent 30-days in advance. Tours will be coordinated through our highly trained tour guides.

Youth Initiatives
Take Your Child To Work Day has been a popular event for the employee's children to explore the potential job opportunities with the FBI. This is held in conjunction with the national initiative of "Take Your Daughter to Work Day," usually in the spring.

The annual Unity Festival is a coordination of federal agencies promoting the theme of unity through diversity. This event has a large offering of ethnicity in food, entertainment, and crafts. An art contest is held to encourage our youth to "voice" their perception of unity through diversity. Prizes are awarded.

The "Great American Teach-In" is a program that takes place every fall, where FBI employees go into the schools and share information with the students about the FBI and their job. Annually we have reached hundreds of students through this program with the merits about the FBI.

"Red Ribbon Week" is a national campaign held in the fall. It is a program to unite the government and private sectors involving people in drug prevention efforts. Red ribbons are worn in support of this program along with special presentations.

For More Information
FBI Tampa's Public Affairs and Liaison Office can be contacted at (813)253-1000 (office), (813)253-1456 (fax), or in writing at FBI Tampa, Attention Public Affairs and Liaison Office, 5525 W. Gray Street, Tampa, FL 33609.