Andrew Arena to Talk 'Crime Cutting'

Andrew G. Arena, former agent in charge of the FBI's Detroit office and newly appointed executive director of the Detroit Crime Commission will address the Eastside Republican Club Forum at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 19 at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms.

“Mr. Arena and the Detroit Crime Commission are perfect examples of how private initiative can cut red tape, support law enforcement, and make metro Detroit a better place to live,” said club chairman Jenny Nolan.

Nolan added, "As Detroit goes, so goes Grosse Pointe, and we can't ignore the state of the city. Also, so many of us have roots in the city, many of us work there, and many ERC members still live in Detroit. It has a noble heritage and people like Andrew Arena are contributing to the rebirth of the city for its residents and its neighbors."

“The Forum is open to the public at no charge, so we invite anyone to attend who is interested in learning more about this important community resource,” said Nolan.

Doors open at 7 p.m. for coffee and networking.

“Our goal is to fill the gap law enforcement agencies are not getting to and working with community leaders to bridge those gaps. We are looking at criminal enterprises flying under the radar -- insurance fraud, mortgage fraud,” Arena recently told the Detroit Legal News.

To accomplish its mission the commission conducts research, assists investigations, publishes information, and coordinates crime reduction efforts between business, the public, government, and law enforcement.

After nearly two decades of service with the FBI, Arena was designated assistant special agent in charge of the Detroit FBI office in 2001, where he oversaw counterterrorism and counterintelligence initiatives.

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Arena became chief of the International Terrorism Operations Section at FBI headquarters. The following year, he was assigned to the director’s office as special assistant to the executive assistant director for counterterrorism and counterintelligence.

Arena assumed his final FBI assignment in 2007 as special agent in charge of the Detroit office. After serving for 24 years, he retired from the FBI in 2012.

The Eastside Republican Club Forum is held on the third Tuesday of the month from September through June. Admission is free and the public is always welcome.

For more information about the Eastside Republican Club and its meetings contact Jenny Nolan at 530-0041 or visit the club web site at eastside-republican-club.org.