HAMPTON ROADS — In recognition of finishing the FBI Norfolk Citizens Academy, the class of 2025 was treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the FBI’s training headquarters in Quantico.
The day-long trip offered the graduates a chance to see the training headquarters, dorms, the FBI forensic science labs, fitness training facilities and more. Students were also able to hear from subject matter experts at headquarters.
A favorite stop for the class was Hogan’s Alley. Hogan’s Alley is a mock town created as a 10-acre hub where agents can gain experience responding to all types of incidents. The town is set up with a restaurant, bar, bank, hotel, barbershop, pool hall and shops to prepare for different types of locations that may require an FBI response.
“Touring the FBI training facilities at Quantico was the opportunity of a lifetime! The labs, the gun ranges, Memorial Hall, Hogans Alley, and all other spaces we toured were incredible to experience. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the special traditions each FBI Academy carries on and sitting in Professor Conlon’s class. Just as we experienced in our eight weeks at the Norfolk Field Office, employees at Quantico are so welcoming, knowledgeable, and passionate about their jobs. I’m so thankful for the FBI Citizen Academy experience,” Kristen Lester, a graduate of the program, said.
The FBI Norfolk Citizens Academy takes place annually at the field office in Chesapeake. Applications and more information can be found at FBI.gov.