Miami Lakes Councilmember Nelson Rodriguez recently completed the FBI Citizens Academy program and demonstrated a commitment to the FBI mission.
Rodriguez, a Coral Gables firefighter, was honored for his achievement at the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation Division on June 1.
“I’m truly thankful to the men and women of the FBI Miami Division,” Rodriguez said. “A great experience, gained some interesting information and knowledge.”
The FBI Citizens Academy is an eight-week program designed to give businesses, religious groups, civic and community leaders an inside look at the FBI.
During the Academy, students participate in firearms demonstrations and practical problems involving the collection and preservation of physical evidence; are introduced to the structure and operation of an FBI field office and resident agency; are provided an overview of the legal basis for the FBI’s jurisdiction and issues relating to congressional oversight; and learn the services the FBI provides to local and state law enforcement agencies.
Rodriguez said he got a first hand look on how the FBI conducts investigations and handle evidence collected at crime scenes.
He also said he was exposed to the FBI operations that handle terrorism and other unlawful use of violence acts.
“It was fantastic going through the course,” Rodriguez said. “Anyone that has an opportunity to take the classes, I encourage them