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Most people assume that the FBI is shrouded in secrecy, but they actually leave a lot out in the open. They choose to be super transparent on most things so that the things that are classified can be respected. These are some things that the FBI is open about, including how to be an agent and who gets to break some rules.
All Forensics Evidence Goes To One Lab
It may seem like it would make the most sense for the FBI to have multiple forensics labs, but it's actually quite the opposite. The department has one lab that they push evidence through. This is to make sure that there is little room for error; the less the evidence is floating around, the more likely results will be accurate.
In one year, they will have processed over 100k pieces of evidence. Everything is logged perfectly in order for justice to be truly taken out.
Quarterly Firearms Training
Gun safety should be the top priority of any job where you have to use one. The FBI are smart and know this, which is why they have their enlistees take quarterly firearms courses to make sure that their skills are up to par. No mistakes can be made when handling a firearm.
When they start the training, they are only allowed to use a fake gun. Then, they move up to a real one that they can reload but isn't active. Then, they get their operational gun. By the time they graduate, students have fired over 4.4k rounds from a Glock 19M, 620 rounds from a Colt M4, and 127 rounds from a Remington 870.
They May Have Your DNA...
It's very possible that the FBI has your DNA on file. Not because you did anything wrong necessarily, but you could have submitted your DNA in a way that fell into the hands of the bureau. Ancestry DNA tests became very popular, and the companies have sold the DNA samples to the FBI.
This has actually solved tons of cold cases by using genetic tracking. Don't worry, the company must ask your permission in the contract! It's really not as big of a conspiracy as some people make it out to be.
Name Checks
There are over 100 million cases in the FBI's Universal Index. The most obvious people who are in the Name Check database include people with passports, green cards, vias, government employees, bar admissions, etc. Other people who are in the index are people who were being investigated, those involved with counterintelligence and counterterrorism, and so many more.
There's a huge chance that your name is in the database, but that's not really a bad thing. The name check program also helps people get into events. It really just makes sure that this person isn't on a watch list!
Wiretapping Isn't Easy
Folks love to talk conspiracies about FBI wiretaps. In reality, wiretapping is extremely time-consuming, complicated, and not worth the stress. The thought of the FBI listening into your every phone call can seem to make sense, but in reality, they won't listen in on any Joe Shmo.
The process is super tedious. First, the FBI agent needs to get a judge's approval to even begin the wiretapping process. After about a month of court dates and waiting, the paperwork begins. After all of that, then you have to actually do the wiretap. It's just not worth it!
Fitness Testing
Obviously, FBI agents have to be physically fit. They need to be able to be on their feet all day. At times, they're going to need to use some brute strength, so everyone has to be in tip-top condition.
To become an agent, they must pass a physical evaluation before they could even consider getting hired. They have to do sit-ups, a timed 300-meter sprint, continuous push-ups, and a timed 1.5-mile run. All of these have to be performed back to back, with no breaks in between.
The Informants Salary
You can make a good living while being an FBI informant! Special Agents are able to pay up to $100k each year. If the informant actually gets the approval of the FBI, they could get up to $500k a year.
The informants can get expense reimbursements and payments for their services. You would think that most people would want to just get a payment, but a lot of people actually take the reimbursements... It's way safer that way.
The FBI's Most Wanted List
The FBI's Most Wanted List is not a list you want to be on. It's reserved for the most heinous criminals who are dangerous to themselves and anyone they come in contact with. The list was enacted in 1950 after a reporter simply asked the FBI for a list of the "toughest guys" that they were searching for.
The reporter published the names, and the rest is history. There have been 521 people on the Most Wanted list, and 488 have been caught and dealt with.
A Strict Age Limit
To be a part of the FBI's street team, you need to be between the ages of 23 and 36. It might seem like this is an ageist requirement, but this is to make sure that the on-the-ground FBI agents are in tip-top shape. Once they go past the age limit, they can head into the office if they choose.
Surpassing the age limit isn't the end-all-be-all for FBI agents. They're offered other positions in the bureau, especially if they're a favored agent. There is a lot of space to move up on up in the industry.
Intense Training In the Classroom
Before the rookies hit the street, they have to hit the books. They need to know the ins and outs of the job, which requires a lot more mental power than it does physical power. You need to brush up on your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are the two most important traits to have.
They also study ethics, behavioral science, report writing, and interrogation techniques. Becoming an FBI agent takes a lot of training, both mentally and physically. This training is so intense that it's used to "weed out" people who aren't really fit for the job.
NASCAR's Driving School for FBI Students
In order to be a field agent at the FBI, you need to have a very specific set of skills. One of these skills includes driving. Not just any type of driving, though. You need to learn evasive maneuvers and tactical spy skills. The FBI enlisted NASCAR drivers Jeff Gordon and Chase Elliot to teach students how to handle a car in the heat of the moment.
Tech is Banned On-Site
FBI files are top-secret and need to be secured. In order to keep everything safe, no technology is allowed anywhere but in secured areas. Safehouses, warehouses, and crime scenes are especially off-limits for any secure FBI technology. They need to make sure things are super confidential!
They're Not In Charge of Cops
Cops and FBI agents are two totally different entities. If anything, they have to work together on a case. The FBI won't "take over" like they do in TV shows and movies. The public perception of the relationship between the cops and FBI agents is purely based on entertainment media. The FBI will never run into a case and "kick out" the cops!
The FBI Director Has Term Limits
Even the director of the FBI has a term limit! The original FBI director was J. Edgar Hoover. He was in charge of it all for 48 years. After he retired, congress decided to have the position limited to just a 10-year term. Therefore, there is only one director per decade, which seems to be working out. After all, it's very much a job as much as it is a position of immense power. Term limits are important!
Spy Planes
The FBI has the power and technology to spy on you in your home. Obviously, they're not going to do that unless they really need to, but the option is always there. They are able to survey the perimeter of your home and watch who enters and who leaves the home. They also have infrared light cameras which can monitor what is going on inside. Just like any type of surveillance, they need a warrant to do this.
They Can Speak Freely... Usually
Most people assume that FBI agents have to be tight-lipped, but that's not always the case. They don't always have to be super secretive about their jobs or positions within the department. They're usually free to talk about nearly any investigation they've been a part of as long as the case is closed. Open cases cannot be discussed, but that's pretty straightforward with anything that involves a criminal case.
The Drug Policy
Like most employers, they want you to be clean and clear of all drugs. In order to become an FBI agent, you have to pass a drug test. In addition, you have to answer a series of questions honestly and if you're found to be lying, then you can't make the cut. According to the tests, you cannot have consumed marijuana in any way in the previous three years. You also cannot have consumed any other illicit drugs in the last 10 years. Trust me, they'll know if you're lying.
Fingerprinting
Fingerprinting is an extremely useful technology. Fingerprints are unique to each person, so it makes someone easily identifiable. The FBI already has millions of fingerprints. People who get arrested get theirs taken, but there are also four states in the US that require fingerprinting to get a driver's license. In order to work with children or other vulnerable populations, you need to get fingerprinted. This information goes into the FBI database where it stays forever.
The Use of Deadly Force
Like everyone else who uses a gun at their job, the FBI is only allowed to use deadly force. If there is a belief that the suspect is a danger to themselves or those around them, then the FBI agents involved are allowed to make those difficult decisions. First, they go with a verbal warning. Then, they use de-escalation tactics. The absolute last step is to use deadly force. It can take takes for agents to reach that point.
The Wall of Honor
Being an FBI agent is a dangerous job. People are putting their lives on the line every day, and sometimes they end up losing them. In order to remember these brave people, the FBI instituted a Wall of Honor at the Tampa Field oFfice in Florida.
Using Media Briefs
The FBI is very particular with what cases they bring to the attention of the media. They use media news resources in order to spread awareness of a certain case or wanted individual. They're also known to use the media to distract from cases that somehow got publicized that shouldn't have been.
The International Law Enforcement Academy
The International Law Enforcement Academy is headed by the U.S. government but stationed in Hungary. They also have partners in Budapest. They use this academy to train new and improved techniques that are supposed to be applied during hostile situations. The reason this is taught overseas is that they are utilizing allies from all over the world.
They Might Be Watching You
Sure, the FBI isn't wiretapping your phone, but they may be monitoring you in other ways. There are memes out there talking about the "FBI agent watching you through your webcam." Now, they're most likely not doing that, but they can monitor people via social media and search history. In fact, the FBI has found tons of evidence against people just because they put everything out there.
No "Good Cop/Bad Cop" Energy
Everything is dramatized for entertainment, including how negotiations and interrogations. In reality, FBI agents don't put on a "good cop/bad cop" schpeal. In fact, the agents are instructed to be cheerful and friendly in order to get the person they're talking to trust them. The most pleasant you are, the more information they may give up.
The Critical Response Group
The FBI's Critical Incident Response Group is a special forces unit inside of their actual special forces unit. They show up during the worst part of the worst situations. You'll commonly see them roll up during hostage situations or active shooting incidents. These folks are extremely trained for any type of incident, so much so that they are commonly charged with training local police forces.
Tracking Crime
The FBI uses the Uniform Crime Reporting Program to track all serious crimes. These crimes include murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The program has been in place since 1929. All statistics from this program are available to the public online, so you can see exactly what they've been up to.
Hiding in Plain Sight
Calling in the FBI is usually a last-ditch effort by the local police. FBI agents will be put on stand-by and will "hide in plain sight." For situations that are dicey, their skills will be necessary, so they need to be close by in order to make sure everything goes smoothly. A lot of the time, they will set up a home base near the situation.
Helping All Over
The FBI is always there to help. Whenever a federal, state, or local law enforcement group needs help investigating or de-escalating a situation, the FBI will be there. They're also known for flying out agents to help ally countries.
Gotta Have Good Hearing
FBI agents have to be in tip-top condition. That means that every part of them has to be in perfect working order, especially hearing. Interpreting tones, listening to important background noises in audio recordings, and simply hearing people speak over the phone are all extremely important. So, agents have to get their hearing checked every so often in order to make sure they're still up for doing their job.
Are FBI Informants Real?
Yes, the FBI actually uses outside folks as undercover informants. They use informants in order to get through any loopholes that might be harming their investigation. Agents can then "bend" the rules to their liking by using these people who aren't actually with the FBI. If their supervisor isn't intently watching them, then it's basically fair game.
Finding Missing People
Whenever someone goes missing, especially a child, their case is forwarded to the FBI. If the child is under 12 years old, then the case is escalated and they will initiate an investigation as soon as they know about the cases. They usually monitor from off the ground before getting physically involved.
Looking Into Hate Groups
The idea of hate speech and a hate group is very difficult to define in the eyes of the law. The FBI can only really look into hate groups when threats are being made on a public forum. The Attorney General is able to decide whether or not the group will become aggressive and perform illegal activity. Ultimately, it's up to the FBI to investigate any hate group or speech claims.
They Are Not Above the Law
Don't worry, FBI agents are not above the law. Oftentimes, they're investigated by their own bureau. They are supposed to be upheld to the standards of the FBI. If they're found to be breaking policy or using resources for their own gain, they will be investigated and maybe even fired.
Counterterrorism Efforts
The FBI is the top agency in the U.S. to investigate terrorist claims. They cover all of the bases, including domestic and international threats. Their biggest priority is national security.
The Valuable Art Unit
The FBI has specific people employed for their valuable art unit. These people work on cases of stolen art and are qualified to identify fakes. They're also involved with black market exchanges to track items that have gone missing. Since 2004, they've recovered over 2,600 items of art. They totaled more than $150 million! Pieces of Picasso and Rembrandt are included in that number.
Secret Languages
It only makes sense that the FBI has a secret language! They have a universal lingo that they use in order to communicate with each other quickly and effectively. These are usually spoken over the radio or on the scene. This is another thing that prospective FBI agents have to do in order to prove that they have what it takes to become an agent.
It's a Lot of Filing Papers and Reading
The job of an FBI agent consists of a lot of paperwork. They're all about the paper trail, that's for sure. If you want your own file, you can request it. They can send you a file on anyone you want as long as you have their signature. You can also request files of people who have passed away.
All Work, No Play
An FBI agent doesn't have a traditional 9-5 schedule. Often times, they're called in at random points on their "day off" to help deal with something. Crime doesn't stop just because it's someones day off!
They Don't Need Much to Watch You
If the FBI gets even the smallest, most meaningless tip on you, they're going to start watching you. They need to make sure that they have all of their bases covered. Even if the claim turns out to be false, they believe that every claim and tip is worth investigating. This type of investigating has helped stop tons of disasters in their tracks.
Using Satellites
The Simpsons portrayed that classic "FBI" van with the giant satellite on top of it due to rumors back in the day. The FBI actually uses satellite-equipped vans for surveillance, so The Simpsons' commentary wasn't too far off! Naturally, they are not permitted to use satellites to spy internationally and they always need a warrant.
No Women Until 1972
During J. Edgar Hoover's tenure, there were no women FBI agents. Any female employees of the FBI (non-agents) had to wear skirts or dresses and heels. After Hoover passed away in 1972, the FBI Academy immediately admitted two female agents: Susan Lynn Roley and Joanne Pierce.
Song Investigation
The FBI spent two entire years in the 1960s investigating a song. The song was "Louie Louie" by Kingsmen. The rumor was that it contained pornographic language and concerned parents wrote in to the FBI to have the song looked at. The FBI released a 120-page report saying that there was no pornographic language.
The FBI Used ESP
At one point, the FBI even looked into the use of ESP (extrasensory perception). This means that people who had high intuition levels, aka psychics, were used to help investigate crimes. This wasn't a very long partnership, but one FBI agent wrote, "There is no limit to the value which could accrue to the FBI, complete and undetectable access to mail, visual access to buildings. The possibilities are unlimited."
The FBI Labs Started Off Small
In 1932, the scientific wing of the FBI was just a one-man operation that was based out of a smoking lounge. Special Agent Charles Appel was by himself working on crime cases using a microscope, wiretapping kit, and chemicals to analyze handwriting and crime scene evidence. Now, the FBI Lab has 500 scientists.
The FBI vs. It's a Wonderful Life
In a turn of events, the FBI absolutely detested the Christmas classic It's a Wonderful Life. According to Director Hoover, the movie apparently "represented rather obvious attempts to discredit bankers by casting Lionel Barrymore as a 'scrooge-type' so that he would be the most hated man in the picture." He felt that it was supporting communism.
The FBI vs. Borat
Naturally, the FBI wasn't a fan of Borat. Sacha Baron Cohen said that the FBI was following them as they were filming. "Sometimes it was the police, then the FBI was following us for a while. They had so many complaints that there was a Middle Eastern man driving through America in an ice cream van, that the FBI assigned a team to us."
The FBI Wasn't Analog Until 2012
That's right, the FBI didn't go digital until 2012. The reasoning is because they are responsible for so many secrets that going digital could be a threat to national security. They started the process in 2009 and went fully digital in 2012. They spent $451 million on the process.
The FBI Kept Tabs on Celebs
It wasn't a secret that the FBI had a lot of issues with celebrities in the early to mid-1900s. These people had a lot of power and influence, so naturally, the FBI wanted to keep a close eye on them. Apparently, they had files on Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, and Truman Capote. They were under suspicion of being with the communist party.
Degree Requirements
In order to become an FBI agent, you need to go to college. They require prospective agents to have a degree in accounting, computer science, law, and foreign languages. There are tons of different routes that agents can take, so someone with expertise in those fields would be extremely helpful.
No Day is the Same
There are tons of different jobs that FBI Agents will take on. They could investigate organized crime, bribery allegations, kidnappings, interstate crime, drug trafficking, and plenty more. Some days might be spent in the office looking at notes, while the next may be arresting a top offender.