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however, where possible, Agents with specialized backgrounds, such as accounting or science, are given
cases in which their skills can best be used.
The most important function of these Agents is gathering evidence in cases in which specific federal
laws have been violated and presenting their findings to the office of a U.S. Attorney. Agents carry out
their assignments and conduct their investigations thoroughly using the considerable resources of the
Bureau. When a case assignment is received, Agents, working alone or in teams, review and analyze all
the available data and plan the scope and direction the investigation will take. They gather facts and
evidence by interviewing, observing, and interrogating suspects, informants, and witnesses involved in
the case. In addition, Agents examine and evaluate records and other pertinent information to uncover
evidence or to discover facts that confirm evidence already obtained.
Under certain circumstances, Agents assume other identities and work undercover to observe suspects
and to gather evidence needed to build or solve a case. Surveillance activities are another important part
of an FBI Agent's work. Surveillance is carried out in different ways such as on foot, in vehicles, or on
stakeouts, and it includes the use of court-authorized electronic methods when necessary. When the
Agents assigned to a case have completed their investigations, facts and evidence are evaluated to
determine what actions will be taken. When indicated, Agents seize, arrest, and take suspects into custody
as authorized by appropriate legal warrants. Such actions may be carried out by teams of Agents or, in
some cases, by large groups of Agents participating in raids. FBI Agents are skillful in the use of several
types of firearms as well as in hand-to-hand defensive tactics. They use these skills as needed when seizing
and arresting suspects.
FBI Agents are required to prepare detailed, written reports on all aspects of cases in which they are
involved. Included in these reports are all facts, evidence, statements of witnesses and other pertinent case
data that can be used in future legal proceedings. Agents also confer with and assist the staff of
U.S. Attorneys' offices in preparing cases for trial and appear as witnesses during trials and grand
jury hearings.
Working Conditions
Most FBI Special Agents are assigned to one of the 59 divisional offices located in cities throughout the
United States and Puerto Rico. The remainder work in FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., or in FBI
resident agencies scattered across the nation. Work in excess of 40 hours a week is common, and Agents
may be called upon to travel during the performance of duties. They must be available for assignments
at any time and are on call 24 hours a day. In addition, transfer to different work locations is usually
required at some point during their careers. Hazardous duty, working under stress, and the prospect of
physical injury resulting from participation in dangerous assignments are essential aspects of this work.
The fringe benefits Agents receive include paid vacations, sick leave, life insurance, full medical
insurance, overtime pay, and retirement annuities. FBI Agents with 20 years or more of service are
required to retire at age 55. All Agents are covered by the Retirement and Insurance Division of the U.S.
Office of Personnel Management.
Training and Promotion Opportunities
Newly appointed FBI Special Agents serve a one-year probationary period before achieving permanent
status. Once permanently appointed, these Agents enjoy job security. There is no automatic promotion
machinery, but supervisory and administrative positions are filled by Agents from within the organiza-
tion, and promotions are based on demonstrated leadership qualities and work expertise.
