Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
News Release
Los Angeles Field Division
At The Frontline Against Violent Crime
Contact: Michael Hoffman, Special Agent – PIO
Office: (818) 265-2507
Cell: (213) 925-4547
ATF Los Angeles Hosts Citizens’ Academy
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — 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 October 7 through November 12. 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.”
The Citizens’ Academy is hosted two times each year and is open to approximately 36 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
- ATF Laboratories
- 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 Spring of 2010. For additional information, please contact the Los Angeles Field Division at (818) 265-2500. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.
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