News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2007
Contact: DEA Public Affairs
Number: 303-705-7446

DEA Denver Hosts First Annual DEA Citizens Academy
Community Leaders Become Familiar with DEA's Mission

JUN 12 -- (DENVER) – The Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Rocky Mountain Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Jeffrey D. Sweetin, announced today details of the 1st Annual Citizen’s Academy. Business, corporate, and community leaders in the Denver metro area were invited to attend the academy for the purpose of gaining personal knowledge of the intricacies within a federal law enforcement agency. “To successfully accomplish our mission, it is vital that we receive the support of our customer, the American taxpayer,” said SAC Sweetin. “One such avenue to increase the public awareness of the DEA is the creation of this Citizen’s Academy.”

The Citizen’s Academy, which is being held at various area locations, including DEA’s offices in Englewood, is a very energetic “hands on” approach and requires participation from the students both inside and outside the classroom. Classes, which are held one night per week for seven weeks, include limited classroom lecture and various activities outside the classroom, including training and presentations related to firearms, surveillance, and role playing.

The following sessions have been held and future sessions will be described and published as they occur.

  • Session 1 - Tuesday, May 15, 2007 – Rocky Mountain Field Division
Depicts and Citizens Academy Student and SAC Sweetin. Depicts a Citizens Academy student dress in full clandestine lab equipment used by DEA Agents.
Depicts and Citizens Academy Student and SAC Sweetin.
Depicts a Citizens Academy student dress in full clandestine lab equipment used by DEA Agents.

The first class included an orientation of DEA’s mission and an overview of the methamphetamine problem facing the U.S.

  • Session 2 - Tuesday, May 22, 2007 - Metropolitan State College, Department of Forensic Chemistry
Depicts Citizens Academy students listening to a presentation by DEA Chemists concerning meth. Depicts Citizens Academy student examining the chemical process during the meth cook.
Depicts Citizens Academy students listening to a presentation by DEA Chemists concerning meth.
Depicts Citizens Academy student examining the chemical process during the meth cook.
Depicts Citizens Academy students participating in the meth demonstration.
Depicts Citizens Academy students participating in the meth demonstration.

During the second class, students participated in a lab setting with DEA Chemists, who demonstrated one of the methods used in manufacturing methamphetamine.

  • Session 3 - Tuesday, June 5, 2007 - Highlands Ranch Shooting Range
Depicts a Citizens Academy student participating in the firearms training session. Depicts a Citizens Academy student participating in the firearms training session.
Depicts a Citizens Academy student participating in the firearms training session.
Depicts a Citizens Academy student participating in the firearms training session.
Depicts members of the 1st Annual Citizens Academy.
Depicts members of the 1st Annual Citizens Academy.

The third night of the third class included hands on weapons familiarization at the Highlands Ranch Shooting Range, where students had the opportunity to shoot weapons issued to DEA Agents.

The Citizens’s Academy will conclude with a graduation banquet to be held on July 10, 2007.

Mr. Sweetin and Team:

Last evening at the Law Enforcement Range was a major life event and a unique experience I will never forget!

Every member of your team is simply 1st CLASS. When we arrived, I know several of us were quite intimidated (out of our normal element); however every instructor was just outstanding and made us all feel part of the team. The entire event was thoroughly organized, extremely safe, and quite exhilarating. Very Impressive!

In addition to each member’s incredible training and personal skill sets, I was most impressed with the camaraderie and respect they have for you and each other! To me, that speaks volumes about excellent leadership and teamwork. It was quite apparent why they are so elite at what they do. I hope you will please pass on my warmest gratitude and respect to all the guys involved last evening. They were so awesome!

Jeff, thanks once again for giving us another rare glimpse into the wonderful world of DEA. The concept of this Citizen’s Academy has given me a much greater appreciation for the DEA and Law Enforcement in general. I feel very privileged to be a part of this.

PS: After all the terrific instruction, I just know I would do much better at the range NEXT TIME! (hint-hint).

My 16-year-old son is so jealous. Have you considered a 1-day program (career day) for a few High School students? I am confident that parents would be willing to pick up any related costs.

Email received from one of the students.