Westport Teen Accepted into FLEYA Program

From Westport PD: Staples High School student Olivia Utter was selected to attend the Future Law Enforcement Youth Academy (FLEYA) from July 15 to July 21 at Yale University. Hosted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Haven Field Office (FBI NHFO) and the YaleUniversity Police Department, FLEYA is a summer academy for Connecticut youth created by

FBI NHFO and Yale PD. The selection process was very competitive. Not only did Utter meet
strict program requirements, she excelled during two interviews and she was selected for the
program out of 200 applicants. “We are excited and proud to have a student of Olivia’s caliber representing Westport in such a prestigious program and wish her the best over the next week,” said First Selectman Jim Marpe. Lieutenant Jillian Cabana and Police Chief Foti Koskinas attended the FLEYA opening ceremony yesterday at Yale University to congratulate Utter and wish her good luck. Chief Koskinas echoed Mr. Marpe’s sentiments, “Olivia has been given a once in a lifetime opportunity and we know she’ll make the most of it. We wish her success as she pursues an education and career in forensic science.”

FLEYA will give 30 youths (15 boys and 15 girls) from Connecticut counties an inside look at today’s FBI. Participants will simultaneously be exposed to various local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and practices. Yale’s campus provides an environment rich with the significance of education and the encouragement for students to pursue higher education. The students will receive specific classroom training and practical exercises in investigative forensics, use of cyber technology techniques for combating violent crime, counter intelligence, gang awareness, civil rights (hate crimes), and many more violations of state and federal law. This unique training will include classes with Assistant U.S. Attorneys and State’s Attorneys,
local police, judges and Federal Agents.

Image via Westport PD