The FBI exists only in movies, television dramas and breaking news headlines. But in Jacksonville, residents can go behind the scenes and learn how the bureau really works through the FBI Citizens Academy.
Hosted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Citizens Academy is an interactive community outreach program designed to give civic, business, religious and community leaders an inside look at federal law enforcement operations. Participants learn directly from FBI agents, intelligence analysts and professional staff members during an eight week evening program.
Pepper Lindsey graduated from the program in May, and she is no stranger to working with cops and robbers. She was the producer of America’s Most Wanted. She’s the owner of Lindsey Films and has won Emmy Awards for her work.
“Nothing prepared me for actually firing an FBI issued weapon at the shooting range, or discovering that conducting a real stakeout is far harder than it looks in the movies,” she said.
The academy covers a wide range of topics, including cybercrime, violent crime investigations, terrorism, elder fraud, public corruption, national security and crisis response. Participants may also observe demonstrations involving evidence response teams, tactical operations and investigative technology.
Lindsey said the experience gave her a greater sense of the FBI’s role in the community and for her, it exceeded every expectation.
The Jacksonville Academy typically runs on Thursday evenings at the FBI field office on Gate Parkway. Classes are held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Residents interested in joining do not have to work in law enforcement. However, applicants must meet several requirements. Candidates must be at least twenty-one years old, live or work within the FBI Jacksonville division’s jurisdiction and consent to a limited background check that includes fingerprinting. Applicants should also be recognized as active leaders within the community.
People can either nominate themselves or be nominated by current or former FBI employees, Citizens Academy graduates or community leaders. The nomination deadline for the 2027 Jacksonville class will occur this Fall. Acceptance into the academy is competitive, and not all applicants are selected.
