About the Citizens Police Academy
Citizens Academy Course Schedule
FBI Special Agent Alex J. Turner
Alex J. Turner, FBI Special Agent in charge of the Norfolk Field Office was the guest speaker at the November general meeting. A 27 year veteran of the FBI, Mr. Turner spoke on the history and duties of the FBI and its interaction with other law enforcement and government agencies. Interestingly, the FBI began 103 years ago with 5 agents. Today there are 36,000 agents. These days the number one issue our country faces is terrorism, both international and domestic. Of particular concern are homegrown violent extremists who seek to fit into everyday life unnoticed, but have the goal of doing harm.
The priorities for the FBI in the Hampton Roads area are violent gangs, economic fraud including ID theft, cyber crimes such as pornography, and white collar crimes, for example internal fraud within a financial institution.
Special Agent Turner answered many questions posed by our members. It was a most informative program that was enjoyed by all.
Our guest speaker for October was Norfolk International Airport Chief of Police Jayward Hanna. After serving for 31 years on the Norfolk Police Department and rising to the position of Assistant Chief, Chief Hanna thought he would have an easy time transitioning to his new position as Airport Chief. What he discovered was that he had to deal with numerous agencies such as Drug Enforcement, Homeland Security, FBI, ICE, Customs and the FAA. The Norfolk Airport Authority owns the airport, which sits on 750 acres of land. The Authority consist of a Board of Commissioners appointed by the Norfolk City Council for a two year term.
The Norfolk Airport Police force consists of 37 sworn officers and 10 non-sworn employees who provide protection at the airport 24 hours a day 365 days per year. Police dogs are trained to detect explosives. The primary goal of the Norfolk Airport Police is to assure safety and security for the traveling public and the airline personnel and to deter terrorist activities. Employees are well trained and subject to background checks and regular screening.
Screening of passengers is a necessary process that must be done prior to boarding a plane. If there is no screening of a passenger, there will be no flying for that person. Early next year there will be some newer less invasive screening equipment that will be put in place.
The presentation was followed by a very interesting Question and Answer period on a variety of subjects including medical equipment, the loss of property from a suitcase, the role of Air Marshals, and even traveling pets!
2011 Guest Speakers
At our September meeting Scott Mahone from the EOC (Emergency Operations Center) gave a presentation on lessons learned following hurricane Irene. Mr. Mahone explained and answered questions on some of the most vital information we all should know. A few are:
1. Break-ins during the storm (theft).
2. Turn off main breakers.
3. Where to go – let family and friends know where you are; try to keep contact alive.
4. Those who opt for bus transportation to shelters are allowed one piece of luggage and anything you can carry of need. There are 26 authorized shelters in Hampton Roads, and Lake Taylor Elementary School can withstand a Category 1 and 2.
5. Types of Shelters: Staff Shelter; Shelters for Pets; Residents with Disabilities; Homeless Population for men and women.
6. Within 72 hours, the Damage Assessment Team goes into action.
7. The Governor, the President, and the City Manager can declare the State of Emergency.
8. The Recovery Phase is in place, with Power Outage and Damage Assessment with assistance from FEMA.