United States Drug Enforcement Administration

Richmond, Va., – The United States Drug Enforcement Administration is active in many local communities through Operation Engage, a comprehensive community-level approach to address the drug epidemic through prevention strategies, facilitating conversations, and collaboration with local partners. As part of this mission, Citizens Academies are held to connect field offices with members and leaders in their communities by teaching them about the DEA’s history, mission, operations, training, partnerships, and the drug threats to our communities. After six weeks of briefings, field trips, and hands-on training, the Richmond District Office graduated their sixth Citizens Academy class on July 26, 2022.

"Our DEA Washington Citizens Academy is an amazing opportunity for our local residents to engage with us on a deeper level -- meet our hardworking employees, learn more about what we do, and how they can be a part of keeping their families and communities safer," said Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Washington Division. "I'd like to thank the Richmond District Office staff who made this possible -- working hard to put on a great program, working long hours, and engaging so many of our valued area residents who took the time to participate. Congratulations on your graduation, and we hope you enjoyed the academy as much as we enjoyed hosting you."

“Even though many challenges were presented by COVID-19 in recent years, it is great to get back into the community and run programs like the Citizens Academy. We can tell that the community cares about making a difference, becoming an advocate, and making an impact in their profession when it comes to the drug epidemic,” said Richmond District Office ASAC Christopher Goumenis.

For more information and local resources, visit http://richmond.dea.gov/ as well as the national page: www.OperationEngage.com.