U.S. Attorney’s Office Hosted 3rd Annual Youth Legal and Law Enforcement Symposium

ATLANTA – The U.S. Attorney’s Office hosted its 3^rd Annual Youth Symposium on Thursday, July 16, 2015. The symposium included overviews of both federal criminal prosecutions and civil proceedings from various agencies including the Acting U.S. Attorney, with presentations from the FBI, DEA, U.S. Secret Service, the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations.

“This summit is an incredible opportunity to personally connect with so many talented young people and encourage them toward positive futures after high school and college,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John Horn. “They are able to see so many possibilities for a career in law enforcement, and we hope this event strengthens their trust and understanding in the justice system as well.”

More than 125 students and guests were provided with a basic understanding of the criminal justice system, helping foster relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and informing students of career opportunities in federal law enforcement.

“A career in law enforcement could be very rewarding,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney and Community Outreach Coordinator Loranzo Fleming. “Indeed, one can ‘do well’ and ‘do good’ at the same time; you do not have to choose one or the other.”

Special Agents from the participating agencies shared information about requirements for employment, training, job duties, and responsibilities. Each presenter encouraged students to strive for academic excellence and to consider a career in law enforcement. They also shared interesting, real-life stories.  For example, U.S. Bureau of Prison personnel explained that life behind bars is much different than seen on television.

After the presentations from federal law enforcement agencies, the students and guests visited the courtrooms of U.S. District Judge Richard W. Story, U.S. Magistrate Judge Justin S. Anand, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard.  The judges provided information about the structure and function of the court system; layout and design of the courtroom; and shared information about their job duties and responsibilities. The judges also gave inspirational messages and encouraged students to consider legal and law enforcement careers.

The students and invited guests represented various organizations including the Cascade United Methodist Church Youth Ministry, Operation P.E.A.C.E. Inc., Russell Management Resident Services, Inc., DeKalb County Juvenile Court Journey & Youth Achievement Programs, Fulton County Junior D.A., Program, Urban League of Greater Atlanta – Urban Youth Empowerment Program & Neighborhood College Program, Fulton County Junior Deputy Clerk Program, and Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Intern Program.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.  The Internet address for the home page for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia Atlanta Division is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.