FBI Norfolk Opens 2026 Citizens Academy to Community Leaders Across Hampton Roads

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA — The Federal Bureau of Investigation Norfolk Field Office has opened nominations for its Spring 2026 Citizens Academy, a selective, multi-day program designed to provide vetted community leaders with direct exposure to the FBI’s mission, operational priorities, and threat landscape across southeastern Virginia.

The three-day academy will be held April 28–30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, at the FBI Norfolk Field Office in Chesapeake, Virginia. Federal officials stated that the program is intended to strengthen long-term cooperation between law enforcement and regional leadership by increasing transparency and shared understanding of federal investigative work.

According to the FBI, the Citizens Academy is not a training course for law enforcement, but an immersive briefing program for individuals who hold influence within their communities and are positioned to act as informed points of contact during periods of public concern, crisis, or emerging threats.

Participants will receive structured briefings on the FBI’s core responsibilities, including counterterrorism, cybercrime, civil rights enforcement, counterintelligence, and fraud targeting vulnerable populations such as seniors. Officials stated that curriculum content is tailored to reflect threats relevant to the Hampton Roads region, including maritime infrastructure, military installations, and dense population centers.

In addition to classroom briefings, the program includes demonstrations and practical overviews involving FBI operational units. These include the Evidence Response Team, bomb technicians, and firearms training systems. A scheduled visit to a local law enforcement range will provide participants with an overview of SWAT operations and tactical decision-making frameworks used during high-risk incidents.

Federal officials emphasized that the program is intentionally limited in size. Only 20 participants will be selected for the Spring 2026 session, allowing for direct interaction with agents, analysts, and command staff. Applicants may apply independently or be nominated by current FBI employees or prior Citizens Academy alumni.

To be eligible, candidates must be at least 21 years of age, be U.S. citizens, and live or work within the FBI Norfolk jurisdiction, which includes all of Hampton Roads, both the Peninsula and South Side, as well as the Virginia Eastern Shore. Applicants must also consent to a limited background check and fingerprinting and commit to attending all three days of the program.

The FBI stated that selection is based on leadership role, community engagement, and the applicant’s ability to contribute constructively to dialogue between federal authorities and the public. The academy is open to leaders from business, religious organizations, civic groups, education, military-affiliated communities, and other recognized institutions.

The nomination and application deadline is March 9, 2026. Applications are submitted through the FBI Norfolk Community Outreach platform. Additional inquiries may be directed to the FBI Norfolk Field Office at 757-455-0100.

Federal officials noted that Citizens Academies nationwide serve as a mechanism for reducing misinformation, improving crisis communication, and building trust before emergencies occur. They emphasized that participation does not confer law-enforcement authority, access to sensitive investigations, or privileged status, but rather provides insight into how federal decisions are made and how communities can engage productively with law enforcement structures.

The FBI stated that updates regarding the Spring 2026 class selection will be issued following the application review process.

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