FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

OBJECTIVE:
CADETS WILL GAIN A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE ROLE THAT THE FBI PLAYS IN MAINTAINING PUBLIC SAFETY HERE IN THE UNITED STATES AND A GREATER RESPECT FOR THE EXPERT SKILLS WITH WHICH THIS AGENCY PURSUES JUSTICE. The FBI gets a lot of attention from movies and television. Who can think of a few shows or movies that featured FBI agents? Everybody loves a good mystery, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation is focused on solving those mysteries. The FBI investigates violations of all federal laws, except for those specifically covered by other federal agencies like the DEA. The names of the crimes that the FBI deals with certainly sound like the stuff of movies: sabotage, treason, espionage. But a lot of what the Bureau does day to day includes finger printing, laboratory examinations, police training, publishing the annual Uniform Crime Reports, and administration of the National Crime Information Center. A team of people working together to publish a book of crime reports doesnt look especially exciting on screen, so we dont see much about that in movies. Regardless of how exciting it looks, the FBI performs a crucially important role in American law enforcement.

WHAT DOES THE FBI DO?

The FBI is the most important law enforcement agency of the U.S. Government. They are charged with the enforcement of over 200 federal laws. However, since September 11th, the FBIs first priority has been to protect the United States from terrorist attacks. The FBI focuses on threats that challenge the foundations of American society or involve dangers too large or complex for any local or state

authority to handle alone. In executing the following priorities, the FBI produces and uses intelligence to protect the nation from threats and to bring to justice those who violate the law. 1. Protect the United States from terrorist attack 2. Protect the United States against foreign intelligence operations and espionage 3. Protect the United States against cyber-based attacks and high-technology crimes 4. Combat public corruption at all levels 5. Protect civil rights 6. Combat transnational/national criminal organizations and enterprises 7. Combat major white-collar crime 8. Combat significant violent crime 9. Support federal, state, local and international partners 10. Upgrade technology to successfully perform the FBI's mission

Other duties include, but are not limited to:

Bank robbery investigations Theft of Government property Organized crime Sabotage (deliberately damaging or destruction of property) Kidnapping Doestic Terrorism

Our Core Values

Rigorous obedience to the Constitution of the United States; Respect for the dignity of all those we protect; Compassion; Fairness; Uncompromising personal integrity and institutional integrity; Accountability by accepting responsibility for our actions and decisions and the consequences of our actions and decisions; and Leadership, both personal and professional.

What is the mission of the FBI?

The mission of the FBI is to protect and defend the United States against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats, to uphold and enforce the criminal laws of the United States, and to provide leadership and criminal justice services to federal, state, municipal, and international agencies

and partners. It performs these responsibilities in a way that is responsive to the needs of the public and faithful to the Constitution of the United States.

What does the FBI stand for?

The FBI stands for Federal Bureau of Investigation. Federal refers to the national government of the United States. Bureau is another word for department or division of government. Investigation is what we dogathering facts and evidence to solve and prevent crimes.

When was the FBI founded?

On July 26, 1908, Attorney General Charles J. Bonaparte appointed an unnamed force of special agents to be the investigative force of the Department of Justice. The FBI evolved from this small group. See ourHistory website for more information.

Who is the head of the FBI?

The FBI is led by a Director, who is appointed by the U.S. President and confirmed by the Senate for a term not to exceed 10 years. The current Director is Robert S. Mueller, III. You can find information on all Directors who have served the FBI on our History website.

How is the FBI organized?

The FBI is headquartered in Washington D.C. The offices and divisions at FBI Headquarters provide direction and support to 56 field offices in big cities, approximately 400 smaller offices known as resident agencies, several specialized field installations, and more than 60 liaison offices in other countries known as legal attachs.

How many people work for the FBI?

On August 31, 2011, a total of 35,477 people worked for the FBI, including 13,928 special agents and 21,549 professional staff. Among our employees are 15,343 women, 8,609 minorities, and 1,260 persons with disabilities.

Is the FBI a type of national police force?

No. The FBI is a national security organization that works closely with many partners around the country and across the globe to address the most serious security threats facing this nation. We are one of many federal agencies with law enforcement responsibilities.

How accurately is the FBI portrayed in books, television shows, and motion pictures?

Any author, television script writer, or producer may consult with the FBI about closed cases, their operations, services, or history. However, there is no requirement that they do so, and the FBI does not edit or approve their work. Some authors, television programs, or motion picture producers offer reasonably accurate presentations of the responsibilities, investigations, and procedures in their story lines, while others present their own interpretations or introduce fictional events, persons, or places for dramatic effect.

What authority do FBI Special Agents have to make arrests in the United States, its territories or on foreign soil?
In the United States and its territories, FBI Special Agents may make arrests for any federal offense committed in their presence, or when they have reasonable grounds (probable cause) to believe that the person to be arrested has committed, or is committing, a felony violation (criminal act) of U.S. laws. Concerning arrests on foreign soil, FBI Special Agents generally do not have authority outside the US except in certain cases where, with the consent of the host country, Congress has granted the FBI extra territorial power.

Should you verify your suspicions about criminal activity before reporting it to the FBI?
Citizens should never place themselves in harms way or conduct their own investigations. Instead, any suspicious activity about matters under FBI jurisdiction should be reported to the FBI promptly.

If a child is missing and possibly kidnapped, but no interstate transportation is suspected, will the FBI begin an investigation?
Yes, the FBI will initiate a kidnapping investigation involving a missing child (generally twelve years or younger) even though there is no known interstate flight. The FBI will monitor other kidnapping situations when there is no evidence of interstate travel and can offer assistance from the FBI Laboratory and the Child Abduction and Serial Killer Unit.

What is the FBI's role in counter-terrorism?

Today, the FBI is part of a vast national and international campaign dedicated to defeating terrorism. Working hand-in-hand with partners in law enforcement, intelligence, the military, and diplomatic circles, the FBIs job is to neutralize terrorist cells and operatives here in the U.S. and to help dismantle terrorist networks worldwide.

The FBI is uniquely situated to fight terrorism, they have both domestic intelligence and law enforcement capabilities. This gives the FBI a full range of options to pursue investigations, enabling them not only to detect terrorist threats through surveillance, source development, and careful analysis, but to act against those threats through arrest and incarceration. At the same time, the FBI can mobilize quickly and comprehensively to prevent attacks -- thanks to a worldwide network of dedicated Special Agents and their long-standing relationships with federal, state, local, and international partners. The FBI has nearly a century of experience of working within the boundaries of the Constitution, protecting civil liberties.

FBI - HERALDRY OF THE FBI SEAL

Each symbol and color in the FBI seal has special significance. For example, the dominant blue field of the seal and the scales on the shield represent "justice".

The circle of 13 stars denotes unity of purpose as exemplified by the original colonies which became the first states. The Laurel leaf has, since early civilization, symbolized academic honors, distinction and fame. There are 46 Laurel leaves in the two branches, since there were 46 states in the Union when the FBI was founded in 1908. The significance of the red and white parallel vertical stripes lies in their colors. Red traditionally stands for courage, valor, strength, while white conveys cleanliness, light, truth, and peace. As in the American Flag, the red bars exceed the white by one. The motto, Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity," succinctly describes the motivating force behind the men and women of the FBI. The peaked beveled edge which circumscribes the seal symbolizes the severe challenges confronting the FBI and the ruggedness of the organization. The gold color in the seal conveys its over-all value.

"TEN MOST WANTED FUGITIVES"

This list is designed to publicize particularly dangerous fugitives who might not otherwise merit nationwide attention. The FBI values and recognizes the need for public assistance in tracking fugitives. Review the following questions with the cadets. Supplement the answers provided with current events and any personal knowledge of the information provided.

HOW MANY FUGITIVES HAVE BEEN CAPTURED DUE TO PUBLIC ASSISSTANCE?

One hundred and fifty-three of the "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" apprehensions have resulted from citizens recognition of fugitives through this publicity program since its inception on March 14, 1950. Since that time, 494 fugitives have been on the "Top Ten" list, and 465 have been apprehended or located.

WHO ACTUALLY DECIDES WHICH FUGITIVES GO ON THE LIST?

The Criminal Investigative Division (CID) at FBI Headquarters calls upon all 56 Field Offices to submit candidates for the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list. The nominees received are reviewed by Special Agents in the CID and the Office of Public and Congressional Affairs. The selection of the "proposed" candidate(s) is forwarded to the Assistant Director of the CID for his/her approval and then to the FBI's Deputy Director for final approval.

WHEN ARE FUGITIVES REMOVED FROM THE LIST?

"Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" are only removed from the list when they meet one of the following conditions: 1. (S)he is captured. 2. The charges are dropped (this is not an FBI decision.) 3. (S)he no longer fits "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" criteria. In the five cases where fugitives were removed for the third reason, it was determined that each fugitive was no longer considered to be a "particularly dangerous menace to society." When a fugitive is removed from the list, another is added to take his or her place.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY:
FBI Special Agent Guest Speaker

FBI Special Agents always make for exciting guest speakers. We encourage you to arrange for an agent to address your cadets. Prior to the Guest Speaker's presentation (preferably during the previous class period), review with the cadets the special agents professional duties. Ask each cadet to write five questions for the speaker in their journal.

Suggested questions for the speaker:

1. Why can't local police handle the kinds of crimes the FBI investigates? 2. What kind of person makes for a successful agent? 3. How does the uncertainty that the agency will relocate you affect raising a family? 4. What is the greatest criminal challenge to the agency as we enter the next century? 5. How have TV shows like the X-Files, Criminal Minds and Numbers helped or hurt your relations with the public? 6. What is the greatest misconception about working for the FBI?

DISCUSSION
1. What is the mission of the FBI? 2. What types of crime does the FBI investigate? 3. What entity serves as checks and balances for the FBI? Explain. 4. Does the FBI have the right to arrest you, if you have committed a crime in the U.S and then moved to another country? 5. What resources can the FBI provide local law enforcement when a kidnapping occurs?