The Columbia Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation maintains an active presence in the communities throughout South Carolina. The outreach program works in partnership with our Resident Agencies (RAs) to provide an FBI contact in all areas.

The program provides speakers to community groups ranging from elementary and high schools to business and civic groups such as Kiwanis and Rotary clubs throughout the state. Presentations are made to colleges and universities located in South Carolina regarding topics such as domestic/international terrorism, Women and Minorities in Law Enforcement, Crimes against Children and Cyber Crime.

The Columbia Division hosted its first Citizen's Academy in 2004. This program affords business and community leaders an inside look at Federal law enforcement, and the FBI family in particular. Those attending the academy were introduced to the structure and operation of an FBI Field Office as it performs its daily duties. They had an opportunity to learn some of the investigative techniques used in many FBI investigations. Applicants for future academies will be selected from a broad community spectrum to insure cultural diversity.

The Columbia Division also participates in the National Red Ribbon Week, a drug demand reduction program; the National Child ID program sponsored by the American Football Coaches Association; and has taken a role in the implementation of the Amber Alert program in South Carolina.

If your school, organization, or group is in need of a guest speaker, please forward your written request to:

David A. Thomas
Special Agent in Charge
Federal Bureau of Investigation
151 Westpark Blvd.
Columbia, SC 29210-3857

Requests should be received at least 30 days prior to scheduled event. Speakers are available on a variety of topics to include careers with the FBI and investigative matters handled by the FBI.