Local Citizens Graduate From First CBP Citizens Academy in Detroit

Detroit- On May 31, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the Port of Detroit graduated its first ever Citizens Academy. The Citizens Academy’s first session was April 12, and met every Thursday for eight weeks.

Community leaders from the Detroit Immigration Lawyers Association, Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee, Detroit Police Department, CBP Commercial Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) and alumni from the FBI Citizens Academy participated in this endeavor.

Class members were given an overview of CBP history, the mission of the Office of Field Operations (OFO), participated in tours of port operations, which included demonstrations of various technologies used by CBP officers and agriculture specialists. The class received instruction on defensive tactics, participated in firearms training and drug interdiction techniques.

“For eight weeks, we developed a better understanding in forging ties with members of our community,” says Christopher Perry, Detroit director of field operations. “We appreciate the chance to engage the community and show them what it takes to secure our borders.”

If you are interested in attending a future CBP Citizens Academy and are able to commit to attending associated sessions, please contact Chief Ken Hammond, Public Affairs Liaison, Detroit Field Office at (313) 496-2191 or by email at detroitcitizensacademy@cbp.dhs.gov

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.