F.B.I. Agent
Comprehensive Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Police and DetectivesCreated by the U.S. Department of Labor, this career profile introduces you to the training, work qualifications, employment data, and job outlook for police officers and detectives, including advancement and salaries. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find links to important professional organizations in the field, or click on detailed earnings data and learn more about this career in law enforcement.
Emergency Response and Research InstituteKnown as EmergencyNet, this site offers a navigational menu that consists of a police operations archive and other emergency departments, such as terrorist attack. Go to the general police articles in the police archive, or access airline safety and security, law enforcement links, homeland security news, and departments on gangs and drugs.
Federal Bureau of Investigation: About UsLearn all about the mission of the F.B.I.at this site, including quick facts on the agency, the post-911 transformation of the agency, leadership and structure of the organization, and a historical tour of the agency. At “Fact and Figures,” you can learn all about the priorities of the F.B.I., including those in counterintelligence, organized crime, civil rights, and cybercrimes.
Princeton Review: FBI AgentFind out about the rigorous application process, strong moral character, and several traits that the agency is looking for in recruiting agents. With your registration and log in to this site, you can learn how agents investigate and report to other government agencies, find out about the long traveling periods sometimes required, and understand the sense of isolation that employment in this agency sometimes fosters. You will also find out about the project-based nature of the career, the excitement it brings, and links to information on earnings, college preparation, majors that may be useful, and facts and figures about the career.
Occupational Titles
Agent
F.B.I. Sharpshooter
F.B.I. Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation Agent
Accredited Academic Programs
Princeton Review: College Majors, FBI AgentsLog in here to look at several college majors that may be appropriate as precursors to a career as an FBI agent. Take a look at them at this site, click on your selections, and be taken to contact information and websites for schools and programs you are interested in, including those in criminal justice, criminology, and forensic psychology.
The FBI AcademyFind out about the mission and guiding principles of this training category of the main federal branch of law enforcement. Located at a U.S. Marine Corp Base, the Academy includes a law enforcement communications unit, investigative training, forensic training, international training, and field and police training units. You will also learn about practical applications, public affairs, and training for new agents.
Salary Levels
PayScale: FBI AgentThe median salary by years of experience is shown at the graph at this site. If you scroll down, you will find median salary by employer city or state, or find links to related information on salary by education, gender, and other categories.
Professional Organizations
Federal Bureau of InvestigationsThe Federal Bureau of Investigation has an FBI headquarters website that you can access here, as well as separate sites for New York, Little Rock, and Louisville. Find quick facts about this law enforcement organization, what they investigate, the national security branch, training of officers, and a job application site.
Fraternal Order of PoliceThis organization is known as the voice of U.S. law enforcement and provides a host of benefits to its members. If you are a student, and considering a career as a police officer, you will want to familiarize yourself with this organization and what the benefits it has to offer law enforcement officials.
International Union of Police AssociationsThis union provides police news, legislative and political updates that affect law enforcement professionals and details on current benefits for members, including savings, insurance, health, and educational services.
National Association of Investigative SpecialistsFirst, you will see a variety of investigation tools and stealth tracking devices at this page. In fact, everything you might need to assist in professional investigative activities is found here. You can also join online forums for discussion, learn about equipment, and locate a wide range of aids and resources for investigative specialists.
U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityIf you are interested in a career in law enforcement, you will want to be familiar with the Department of Homeland Security and its subdivisions, including first response, and information on prevention, protection, and preparedness for the country and its citizens. Click on “Job Seekers” to find an extensive collection of links to homeland security careers.
Job Opportunity Sources
Federal Bureau of Investigations: CareersLearn about how new special agents are hired at this page, with information available on the vital roles that these people provide, overseas officers, training, and more. Go to the FBIJOBS.gov link to find listings across the country.
National Law Enforcement Recruiters’ AssociationAt this page, you can find out more about an organization that represents all 50 states at all levels of public safety. The goal of the organization is to attract qualified candidates. Click on the applicants’ link to find details on police training, jobs, test preparation, and police salary.
Publications
International Journal of Intelligence and CounterintelligenceSpecializing in military operations, intelligence, and strategic studies, this publication offers an online sample for your viewing. You can search within the journal, too, find book reviews, commentary, and articles on the news media, intelligence affairs, covert actions and democracy, and terrorism topics.
Police MagazineAn online community for police is available here, with top channels, news, blogs, forums, and archives accessible from the left side of the page. Dig deeper into the site, and you will find techniques that street cops use, departments on gangs, firearms, and advice for aspiring officers, as well as methods and issues that are important to tactical officers.
Online Forums & Blogs
Law Enforcement ForumJoin this free national and international community, and you can have access and post topics privately with other members of this law enforcement discussion. Respond to polls, upload content, and access answers to many questions about the jobs and lives of law enforcement professionals.
Police Magazine ForumsYou can discuss the latest issues in law enforcement available from Police magazine here, with talks available across general issues and breaking news, firearms, recruitment, training, gangs, and investigations.
Career Videos
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) RecruitmentWatch recruitment footage that leads shows you several agents in today’s F.B.I. and learn about the training, support, and resources needed to join this organization.
The FBI Academy: New Agents’ Training UnitView a video of the New Agent Presentation using Real Player, which you can download for no charge from RealNetworks. A transcript of the video clip is also provided.
YouTube: Making it Here: TeenStyle Preview: FBI AgentListen to a special agent from the F.B.I. describe what the F.B.I. is really looking for in a law enforcement official of this type. Advanced training in different disciplines is often needed, and you can hear about why at this video. In addition, you can listen to the thorough background investigation that is performed on individuals applying for F.B.I. positions.