TV shows abound about the various law enforcement agencies throughout the country. Each agency carries its own mystique and lingo. But when Jenny L. Dixon learned that FBI field offices periodically offer a citizens academy as part of community outreach efforts, she knew she wanted to participate and learn first-hand about the work that special agents perform.
Dixon applied and felt fortunate to be selected to the 2025 FBI San Diego Citizens Academy. For eight weeks, she attended a four-hour evening session at the San Diego field office, getting an inside look at the FBI. She learned alongside a variety of San Diego community members that included religious leaders, counselors, media members, and real estate, IT and HR professionals.
Dixon heard from those who work in each of the different branches – special agents, analysts, supporting personnel – who have different expertise. There was a heavy use of acronyms, but the presenters patiently explained their roles and those that each federal law enforcement agency plays and how they liaison with city and county law enforcement. The process was very interactive and members of the FBI wear many different hats within their office. Agents gave up their evenings to speak with the academy participants and share their knowledge and expertise. They presented case studies that highlighted their work in identifying and solving bank robberies and corporate embezzlement, as well as how those with crisis negotiation skills work to assist other local law enforcement agencies.
Most importantly, the Academy sessions armed Dixon with critical information about the support and services that the FBI offers to the community. For example, the FBI’s community relation officers will partner with religious and civic organizations, schools, and non-profits to educate and provide training for a host of topics ranging from active shooter attack prevention and preparedness to elder fraud and financial scams, and how to be safe online – for kids, teens and adults. Another example are the various tip lines run by the FBI, such as www.ic3.gov which is used to quickly report cyber-enabled crime – which is critical due to the rapid movement of money.
As graduation from the Citizens Academy loomed, Dixon knew that she wanted to remain involved. This led her to join the Alumni Association, a non-profit organization, separate from the FBI, that helps support and foster greater understanding about the FBI’s mission among the community.
Unbeknownst to Dixon, her classmates had already begun conversations with Citizens Academy leadership about Dixon taking on a new role. Shortly after joining the Alumni Association, Dixon was selected by its Board of Directors to serve on the board as general counsel and proudly accepted. She will be a part of the board’s monthly meetings as they continue to support the Citizens Academy, the Teen and Junior Academy programs, and other community events such as “Shop with a Cop.”
As a member of the Alumni Association, Dixon will have the opportunity to visit the FBI Headquarters in Quantico, Virginia next year. To date, her favorite aspect of the experience has been the range day where she had the opportunity to have hands-on training with firearms, breaching techniques, and explosive detonations. She is grateful to have “learned about the massive amount of work being done behind the scenes to keep our community safe.”
