FBI’s Teen Academy Takes Place in Stuttgart, Germany
Texas Border Business
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
In an unprecedented event, 20 teens experienced a Saturday unlike any other at Stuttgart High School in Germany this September. For the first time, the FBI’s Teen Academy program was hosted outside the United States, specifically on a U.S. military base.
The participants came from the American community living in southwestern Germany, near the borders of France, Switzerland, and Austria. Many have parents stationed at one of the five U.S. military bases in the Stuttgart area, while others are from families on government assignments. The students represent diverse backgrounds, with some attending Stuttgart High, others the International School of Stuttgart, or being homeschooled.
“Children of military and diplomatic families assigned to Stuttgart, Germany, spend their lives serving quietly in the background of global affairs,” noted Ruben Marchand-Morales, FBI’s section chief for the International Operations Division, Military Liaison Program. “Our first overseas FBI Teen Academy gave these remarkable students a unique, hands-on opportunity to see how the real FBI operates, moving far beyond Hollywood myths to explore real-world law enforcement and intelligence careers.”
Hands-On Learning Experience
During the event, the teens engaged in various interactive activities:
- Fingerprint Lifting: Learning about the process of gathering evidence.
- Fluorescent Evidence: Understanding how different clues illuminate in investigations.
- Concealed Messages: Practicing the detection of hidden information at search sites.
- Arrest Tactics: Practicing strategies in mock scenarios.
- Crime Scene Investigation: Conducting surveillance on a mock “bad guy” wanted for using a biotoxin.
Rob Baird, an FBI supervisory special agent, remarked on the collaboration, stating, “Our FBI team in Stuttgart is fortunate to have great partners in the Department of War and Department of State… It was wonderful to see the children of some of our best partners jump into FBI scenarios and solve the crimes we presented to them.”
Participant Feedback
The reviews from the teens affirmed the program’s success:
- “I’ve learned what functions the FBI does in terms of domestic and international actions. I’ve learned the processes that they take, as well as different viewpoints from different positions.”
- “I appreciated how friendly everyone was and how willing you guys were to answer our questions and share your experiences with us. Thank you again for organizing such an interesting and enjoyable day. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to participate.”
The FBI’s Teen Academies are part of their Community Outreach Program, typically hosted at U.S.-based field offices. For those interested in potential academies in their area, reaching out to the FBI field office closest to them is encouraged.
Conclusion
Building trust with the communities they serve is vital for the FBI, and outreach programs like this allow them to share valuable resources for crime prevention. The FBI acknowledges that fostering relationships today plays a crucial role in fulfilling their mission tomorrow.
Information Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
