10/15/2010
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The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is not only one of the more prominent law enforcement agencies in the U.S., but is also among the most respected in the world. Established in 1908, the agency uses various forensic techniques to analyze crimes. The immortalization of the FBI in contemporary culture, including many Hollywood movies, has seen many young people aspire for positions in this federal agency. As with any job, the likelihood of having a successful career is largely hinged on the amount of information one has as to the workings of the industry. The following are some of the tips both aspiring and current FBI agents must familiarize themselves with.
Know the minimum entry requirements:
Before you are accepted, prepare to undergo a string of assessments, background checks and interviews that you must pass. If you are applying to join the FBI, remember that the agency has two types of entry level jobs: support staff and special agent.
Know the different roles at the bureau:
Being a special agent is admittedly one of the more prominent and likely more exciting jobs in the FBI. Aside from educational and experience requirements, to become an effective FBI agent you need to be in excellent physical shape. Part of the job will demand pursuing the bad guys. In addition, you may be called upon to physically defend yourself in the course of duty. This is why new agents are taught both self-defense techniques as well as firearm training. The FBI places so much importance on such training that it has developed a training town known as Hogan's Alley. In Hogan's Alley, agents can practice what they have learned in class in simulated real world crime situations.
Though most people are somewhat familiar with the role of FBI agents, the FBI is not only made up of special agents. Behind the scenes are the support staff that play a big role in catching criminals. This group consists of experts in different fields including scientists, cryptologists, analysts, fingerprint experts, linguists, computer technicians, engineers,and even writers. Together they use their skills to analyze crime scene data that can subsequently be used during prosecution.
Prepare for FBI training:
FBI training is an eighteen week long program that prepares agents for field operations and life as an agent. Carried out at the bureau's Academy in Quantico, Virginia, agents undergo defense training, firearm management, police science and personal fitness. Plan to excel during this training as it will not only place you in better position to advance faster through the ranks, but it also makes you better prepared for life threatening situations.
Day to day duties of an agent:
Before an agent can go into the field, they must first review case files for every crime they will be investigating. FBI agents work in close partnership with other law enforcement officers meaning that the cases they are investigating may already have compiled information in case files held by another law enforcement arm of government. For an FBI agent to thrive in their role, they must be prepared to examine crime scenes, interrogate suspects and witnesses as well as consult with subject matter experts.
It is hard to cover everything you need to know to become a successful Federal Bureau Investigation agent in a short article as this. I would encourage you to do more research on the Internet.
Kenneth Echie is a writer, expert author, and publisher. He currently writes for Criminal Justice Schools. Obtain a free scholarship report and learn to become an FBI agent by visiting.
© 2010 Kenneth Echie
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