Week 5 of the FBI Citizens' Academy was mostly dedicated to counterterrorism.

First we received an overview of the counterterrorism program from the local assistant special agent in charge for the counterterrorism group. The number 1 priority of the FBI is to protect the United States from a terrorist attack. This includes protecting US interests and citizens both locally and located abroad. We learned about the joint terrorism task force (JTTF) that makes up federal, state and local law enforcement personnel. The JTTF acts as an integrated investigative force to combat domestic and internal terrorism. Here in the Bay Area we also have a northern California regional intelligence center, also referred to as a fusion center. After the overview, speakers led the class thru 2 separate case studies. The first of domestic terrorism related to individuals harming local university professors that worked in areas where animal tested is involved. The second case study demonstrated a case of international terrorism. In this second case, a local bay area resident was found supporting terrorists on foreign soil by monetary means.

The evening ended with a quick discussion of InfraGard. InfraGard is a partnership between the FBI and the private sector for information sharing and analysis. The partnership works towards preventing hostile acts against the United States.