The headquarters of the FBI is located in Washington, D.C., and from this location the work of a number of field divisions are supervised. Agents are assigned to perform the investigation of any case, irrespective of its nature, unless they are agents who have specialized in some particular field. In the latter instance, agents are most likely to work on those cases that demand their specialized talents. For any case, the responsibility of the FBI agent is to investigate violations that involve federal laws. Violations may include such crimes as bank robbery, extortion, kidnapping, frauds, and thefts against the federal government, espionage, interstate transportation of stolen property, mail fraud, sabotage, and Atomic Energy Act investigations. FBI special agents are responsible for protecting the security of the United States and for investigating any subversive acts that might be threatening to security. In performing investigative and research job, agents have at their disposal a vast network of communication systems and the crime detection laboratory in Washington. When cases are completed, FBI agents submit full reports to the Bureau’s headquarters.
FBI agents usually carry special identification to properly identify themselves as employees of the Bureau. They usually wear ordinary business suits, and not special uniforms such as what police wear. Agents involved in potentially dangerous work may be permitted to carry firearms on their person for self-protection during investigations.
In their research careers, FBI agents usually work as individuals unless potential danger is present or the nature of the case demands two or more persons. The work of the agent is always confidential and may not be discussed beyond other authorized Bureau members. This precludes any discussion of work assignments, even with the agent’s immediate family or friends. The Bureau and its agents work in close cooperation with law enforcement agencies all over the world though the FBI does not function as a law enforcement agency. FBI agents function strictly as investigators. Agents perform their work in various ways, depending upon the nature of cases. They may need to travel for periods of time or live in various cities. Agents may talk with people to gather information, spend time searching various types of records, and observe people, especially those persons who are suspect of criminal intentions or acts. FBI agents participate in carrying out arrests, and may take part in or lead raids of various kinds. On occasion, they are summoned to testify in court cases, it is not the agent’s role, however, to express judgments or opinions regarding the innocence or guilt of those involved in violations that have been tried in court. The agent’s work is to gather facts and report them. Sometimes in court they are asked to describe their investigative actions.
To qualify for the occupation of an FBI special agent, an applicant must have been graduated from an accredited four-year college with major in accounting or a physical science, or from a state-accredited resident law school. Law school training must have been preceded by a minimum of two years of resident undergraduate work in college. Every applicant must successfully pass every rigid examination that it requires in order to qualify as an agent. These examinations include a rigorous physical test, oral, and written tests that examine the applicant’s knowledge of law or accounting, and his ability and aptitude for meeting the public, as well as his skill in conducting an investigation. The FBI administers all of its own examinations except the one for physical fitness.
Extremely thorough and exhaustive investigations are made into the applicant’s background and character. When appointments are made, they are on a temporary, probationary basis. After one year of successful service, the appointments become permanent. When a special agent applicant receives an appointment to the FBI, a period of intensive and extensive training is required of the candidate at the FBI Academy. The education and training of the FBI agent is virtually never-ending. New techniques, better methods, and new knowledge are continually taught throughout the career, either through experience on the job, advanced study courses, in service training, or special conferences.
Potential candidates must be in excellent physical health to pass the rigid physical examination. They must have very good eyesight or vision, and hearing must be unimpaired so that one is capable of hearing a normal conversation from at least fifteen feet with each ear.
To look for more related researching jobs, you can find thousands of its job listings at ResearchingCrossing.com. Signup now for free!
