Local community members received insiders view of DEA responsibilities and dangers

The multi-week academy was held at the Prescott Valley Police Department, covering a wide variety of topics, giving attendees an in-depth look at DEA operations. Attendees were welcomed by Phoenix Field Division Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Cheri Oz, who conducted a brief introduction of the history and mission of the DEA. The academy curriculum included 15 hours of classroom training with DEA Special Agents on topics such as current drug trends, drug identification, undercover operations, firearms safety and emergency first aid. One of the group's favorite training days was at a local gun range, where they learned firearms safety and familiarized themselves with shooting firearms. Each presenter shared real-world stories that provided an inside perspective of the dangers that DEA Special Agents and Task Force Officers face in the field.