FBI Careers: The Ultimate Guide to Landing a Job As One of Americas Finest (Fbi Careers)

287 Pages·2002·3.99 MB·English

by  Thomas Ackerman

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No other book provides so much specific information about what it takes to land a job
with the FBI. This book gives you I

• Information on how to stand out from the competitive crowd of applicants. C
• Step-by-step advice for getting through the complicated application process—for A
special agents as well as support positions. R
• Details on the FBI’s four internship programs—excellent preparation for a career in E
federal law enforcement. E
• Exactly what to expect in the testing and interviewing phases, including practice test R
questions. S
Details on Both Special Agent and Support Jobs! :
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Most of the information available about getting into the FBI focuses on special
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agents. But more than half of the FBI’s workforce is made up of support per-
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sonnel. This book gives details on the hiring process for all FBI jobs, including
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the support personnel hiring process and requirements, and full descriptions of ti
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the most popular support and investigative careers, including
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• Biologists and chemists t
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C A R E E R S
• Computer specialists
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• Document analysts u
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• Electronics engineers and d
Includes Everything You Need to Know e
technicians The Ultimate Guide to Landing a Job as One of America’s Finest
About FBI Selection and Careers!
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• Evidence technicians o

• Financial analysts • Application forms and procedures L
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• Fingerprint specialists • Requirements for potential FBI employees n
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• Intelligence operations specialists • Tips for standing out from the crowd of applicants
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• Intelligence research specialists • Salary information
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• Investigative specialists • Job descriptions and what a typical day on the job a
• Language specialists is like J
• Personnel security specialists • Overview of FBI training o
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• Photographers • Directory of FBI field offices and resident agencies a
• Physical security specialists • The history and organization of the FBI s
• Specific guidance through the rigorous selection process,
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• Police officers
n including tips on standing out from other applicants.
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About the Author
o • Details on positions as special agents, computer specialists, police officers,
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Thomas H. Ackerman is the author of the popular Guide to Careers in Federal Law Enforcement. He A scientists, intelligence specialists, financial analysts, electronics technicians,
has spoken nationally and internationally at law enforcement training academies and conferences on law m
language specialists, office and support positions, and many more.
enforcement officer recruitment, selection, and training strategies, including the FBI National Academy, e
Swedish National Police College, and prominent universities. He has served as a Federal Agent, Police ri • Overview of the FBI Academy and training programs.
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Officer, and Training Academy Instructor since 1980, and has published articles in leading law enforce-
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ment publications. He presently serves as Special Agent with a federal agency in Michigan. ’ • Tips on getting internships—an excellent way to “get a foot in the door.”
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F • Sample application forms—and tips for completing them.
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8902 Otis Avenue
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Indianapolis, IN 46216-1033
Thomas H. Ackerman
1-800-648-JIST
Fax 1-800-JIST-FAX
www.jist.com
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FBI
C A R E E R S
The Ultimate Guide to Landing a Job as One of America’s Finest
Thomas H. Ackerman
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FBI Careers: The Ultimate Guide to Landing a Job as
One of America’s Finest
© 2002 by Thomas H. Ackerman
Published by JIST Works, an imprint of JIST Publishing, Inc.
8902 Otis Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46216-1033
Phone: [phone]-JIST Fax: 1-800-JIST-FAX E-Mail: [email protected]
Visit our Web site at www.jist.comfor information on JIST, free job search informa-
tion, book chapters, and ordering information on our many products!
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Acquisitions and Development Editor: Lori Cates Hand
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Proofreader: Jeanne Clark
Indexer: Tina Trettin
Printed in the United States of America
06 05 04 03 02 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication data is on file with the Library of Congress.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, or
stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher except
in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles or reviews. Making copies of any part of this
book for any purpose other than your own personal use is a violation of United States copyright
laws.
We have been careful to provide accurate information in this book, but it is possible that errors
and omissions have been introduced. Please consider this in making any career plans or other
important decisions. Trust your own judgment above all else and in all things.
Trademarks: All brand names and product names used in this book are trade names, service
marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
The views expressed in this book do not necessarily represent the views of any organization,
department or agency of the United States Government.
ISBN 1-56370-890-6
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A T B
BOUT HIS OOK
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is one of the most sophisticated and
well-respected organizations in the world. Since its formation in 1908,
the FBI has protected the American people from enemies both domestic
and foreign, while honoring and defending the Constitution and the rule of
law. Over the years, “the Bureau” has placed a top priority on fighting threats
to America’s national security posed by terrorists and spies, while also combat-
ing organized crime, drug trafficking, white-collar crime, violent crime, and
crimes against children. Although the FBI is known worldwide for being on the
cutting edge of law enforcement technology and for using state-of-the-art
equipment to fight crime, nothing is more important to the success of the
Bureau than its most important resource—its employees. Simply stated, the
27,000 men and women of the FBI who serve as special agents and in profes-
sional support positions make the nation a better place for all of us—and for
many there is no higher calling.
If the FBI sounds like the kind of organization you would like to make a career
with, this book is for you. The Bureau’s special agents and support personnel
are given the best training possible and the opportunity to serve with a law
enforcement agency that is unlike any other. To land a position with the FBI,
you must be armed with accurate and up-to-date information. FBI Careers will
guide you step by step through the rigorous selection process, including com-
plete details on the positions, how to apply, and what to expect along the way.
Whether you’re interested in serving as a special agent, biologist, computer
specialist, electronics technician, photographer, or in another area of expertise,
this book will provide you with an overview of the positions, qualification
requirements, and the training you can expect to receive. Most importantly,
FBI Careers presents specific guidance on filling out application forms, improv-
ing your test scores, making a good impression during interviews, and many
other strategies you can use to stand out from the crowd and get hired—even
if your goal is to get a foot in the door by serving in an FBI internship.
It is widely known that competition for careers in the FBI is intense, regardless
of the position. In order to succeed in your quest to join the ranks of the
Bureau, you must carefully identify the steps you will need to take. The first
step is to obtain an authoritative source of information that provides expert
advice. The next step is to carefully chart a course to success. FBI Careers will
provide you with the information and expert guidance you’ll need to navigate
your way to a career as one of America’s finest!
—Thomas Ackerman
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Dedication
In memory of Dixie, my mother,
who taught me the meaning of justice
—and to fight for it.
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C
ONTENTS
Part 1: FBI Basics ......................................................1
Chapter 1: The History and Organization of the FBI ......................3
The History of the FBI ..............................................................................................3
Early Expansion of the Bureau ................................................................................4
Gangsters and the Prohibition Era ..........................................................................5
The Gangster Era Ends and the FBI Is Born ............................................................6
The World War II Period ........................................................................................6
The Postwar Era ....................................................................................................8
Civil Rights Investigations of the 1960s ..................................................................9
The FBI and Organized Crime ................................................................................9
The Vietnam War Era ..........................................................................................10
The Watergate Scandal ........................................................................................10
The Aftermath of Watergate ..................................................................................11
Drugs, Corruption, and Terrorism in the 1980s ....................................................12
The Post Cold War Era ........................................................................................13
Reorganization and International Cooperation ......................................................13
Fighting Domestic Terrorism: America’s “New War” ..............................................14
Preparing for the Future ........................................................................................15
The Organization of the FBI ..................................................................................16
Jurisdiction and Authority ....................................................................................16
FBI Field Offices and Resident Agencies ................................................................17
Headquarters Operational Divisions ......................................................................17
Legal Attaché Offices ............................................................................................22
Chapter 2: Salary and Benefits ......................................................23
Salary Structure and Rates ......................................................................................23
The General Schedule Pay System ..........................................................................23
Special Agent Salaries ............................................................................................24
Professional Support Personnel Salaries ..................................................................24
Locality Payments ................................................................................................25
Paid Leave ..............................................................................................................27
Annual Leave ........................................................................................................27
Paid Holidays ......................................................................................................27
Sick Leave ............................................................................................................27
Family and Medical Leave ....................................................................................27
Maternity Leave ....................................................................................................28
Paternity Leave ....................................................................................................28
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FBI Careers:The Ultimate Guide to Landing a Job as One of America’s Finest ____________________
Family Friendly Leave ..........................................................................................28
Additional Leave Benefits ......................................................................................28
Health Care and Wellness Benefits ........................................................................28
Federal Employees Health Benefits Program ..........................................................28
Health Care Programs Unit ..................................................................................29
Employee Assistance Program ................................................................................29
Child Care Services ..............................................................................................29
Life Insurance ..........................................................................................................29
Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance ..............................................................30
Other Sources of Insurance Coverage ......................................................................30
Travel Allowances ..................................................................................................30
Reimbursement of Travel Expenses ........................................................................30
Death and Disability Benefits for Special Agents ..................................................30
Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program ................................................................31
Federal Law Enforcement Dependents Assistance Program ....................................31
Funeral Leave for Law Enforcement Officers ..........................................................31
Retirement Benefits ................................................................................................32
Basic Annuity Benefit ............................................................................................32
Federal Thrift Savings Plan ..................................................................................32
Social Security ......................................................................................................33
Special Retirement Provisions for Special Agents ....................................................33
Part 2: Getting into the FBI ......................................35
Chapter 3: FBI Special Agent Career Opportunities ....................37
Investigative Priorities ............................................................................................38
Applicant Matters ................................................................................................38
Civil Rights ..........................................................................................................38
Counterterrorism ..................................................................................................38
Foreign Counterintelligence ....................................................................................39
Organized Crime and Drugs ..................................................................................39
Violent Crime and Major Offenders ......................................................................39
White-Collar Crime ..............................................................................................39
Qualifications for the Special Agent Position ........................................................39
Basic Qualifications ..............................................................................................39
Entrance Programs ................................................................................................41
Automatic Disqualifiers ........................................................................................42
Additional Requirements ......................................................................................42
Assignment of New Special Agents ........................................................................43
Location of Initial Assignment ..............................................................................43
Probationary Period ..............................................................................................44
A Special Agent’s Work Life ..................................................................................44
Squad Assignments ..............................................................................................45
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__________________________________________________________________________Contents
Beyond the Initial Assignment ..............................................................................50
The Special Agent Transfer Policy ..........................................................................51
Special Response Teams ........................................................................................51
Promotion ............................................................................................................54
Part-Time Special Agents ......................................................................................54
Organizations for FBI Personnel ............................................................................54
FBI Agents Association ..........................................................................................54
Special Agents Mutual Benefits Association ..........................................................55
FBI Recreation Association ....................................................................................55
Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI ............................................................55
Society of FBI Alumni ..........................................................................................55
Chapter 4: The Special Agent Hiring Process ..............................57
FBI Hiring Policies ..................................................................................................57
FBI Employment Drug Policy ................................................................................57
False Statements ..................................................................................................58
Veterans’ Preference ..............................................................................................58
Applicants with Disabilities ..................................................................................59
Equal Employment Opportunity ............................................................................59
An Overview of Applicant Processing ....................................................................59
Application, Testing, and Final Screening ..............................................................59
Automatic Disqualifiers ........................................................................................60
Application Time Frame ........................................................................................60
From Application to Appointment, Step by Step ..................................................60
Step One: The Preliminary Application Process ......................................................60
Step Two: Phase I Testing ......................................................................................63
Step Three: Application for FBI Employment (FD-140) ..........................................65
Step Four: Phase II Testing ....................................................................................66
Step Five: Final Screening ......................................................................................68
Chapter 5: Professional Support Career Opportunities ..............73
Requirements and Qualifications for Professional Support Positions ..................73
Minimum Qualifications ......................................................................................74
Experience Requirements ......................................................................................74
Education Requirements ........................................................................................75
Qualifying for Salary Grade Levels ........................................................................76
Temporary Duty Assignments and Permanent Transfers ........................................76
Profiles of Key Professional Support Positions ......................................................76
Biologist (Forensic Examiner) ................................................................................76
Chemist (Forensic Examiner) ................................................................................78
Computer Specialist ............................................................................................80
Document Analyst (Forensic Examiner) ................................................................82
Electronics Engineer ..............................................................................................84
Electronics Technician ..........................................................................................87
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FBI Careers:The Ultimate Guide to Landing a Job as One of America’s Finest ____________________
Evidence Technician ..............................................................................................89
Financial Analyst ................................................................................................90
Fingerprint Specialist ............................................................................................92
Intelligence Operations Specialist ..........................................................................94
Intelligence Research Specialist ............................................................................96
Investigative Specialist ........................................................................................97
Language Specialist ..............................................................................................99
Personnel Security Specialist ................................................................................101
Photographer ......................................................................................................102
Physical Security Specialist ..................................................................................104
Police Officer ....................................................................................................106
Chapter 6: The Hiring Process for Professional
Support Positions ......................................................................109
FBI Hiring Policies ................................................................................................109
An Overview of Applicant Processing ..................................................................110
Step One: Initial Application ................................................................................110
The FBI Vacancy Announcement ........................................................................110
Submitting Application Materials ........................................................................112
Selection of Candidates for Further Processing ......................................................114
Step Two: Written Examinations ..........................................................................114
The Clerical and Administrative Support Examination ........................................115
Other Examinations ............................................................................................115
Step Three: The Long-Form Application for Employment ..................................115
Step Four: The Personal Interview ........................................................................115
Structured Interviews ..........................................................................................116
Semi-Structured Interviews ..................................................................................116
Step Five: Final Screening ....................................................................................116
Conditional Letter of Appointment ......................................................................116
SF-86 Questionnaire for National Security Positions ............................................117
Personnel Security Interview ................................................................................117
Polygraph Exam and Drug Testing ......................................................................117
Background Investigation ....................................................................................117
Pre-employment Physical Examinations ..............................................................118
Sources of Job Vacancy Information ....................................................................118
FBI Resources ......................................................................................................118
U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Resources ........................................118
Federal Job Publications ......................................................................................119
Chapter 7: Standing Out from the Crowd ....................................121
Are You Right for the FBI? ....................................................................................121
Character Issues ..................................................................................................122
Experience and Education ....................................................................................122
Volunteer Work and Community Service ..............................................................123
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__________________________________________________________________________Contents
Military Service ..................................................................................................123
Internships ..........................................................................................................123
Filling Out the Application for Employment (FD-140) ......................................124
Using Continuation Sheets or Attachments ..........................................................124
Residence Information ........................................................................................125
Educational Achievements and Transcripts ..........................................................125
Employment Information ....................................................................................126
Military Record ..................................................................................................126
References and Social Acquaintances ..................................................................126
Foreign Travel ....................................................................................................127
Court Records ....................................................................................................127
Financial Status ..................................................................................................127
Relatives ............................................................................................................127
False Statements ................................................................................................127
Strategies for Special Agent Phase I Testing ........................................................128
General Test-Taking Tips ....................................................................................128
Managing Test Anxiety ........................................................................................129
The Biodata Inventory Test ................................................................................130
The Situational Judgment Test ............................................................................132
The Cognitive Ability Test ..................................................................................134
Strategies for Special Agent Phase II Testing ........................................................141
The Structured Interview ......................................................................................141
The Written Exercise ..........................................................................................144
Strategies for Professional Support Position Applicants ......................................146
Tips for Preparing a KSA Statement ....................................................................146
Tips for Professional Support Interviews ..............................................................147
Strategies for Internship Applicants ....................................................................149
Information Is Power ..........................................................................................149
Make Your Own Opportunities ............................................................................149
Application Materials ..........................................................................................150
Tips for Internship Interviews ..............................................................................150
Chapter 8: FBI Training ................................................................153
The FBI Academy ..................................................................................................153
FBI Academy Facilities ........................................................................................153
Operational Units at the FBI Academy ................................................................154
Training for FBI Special Agents ............................................................................157
The New Agent Training Program ........................................................................157
Professional Development Training for Special Agents ..........................................163
Training for Special Response Teams ..................................................................163
Training for Professional Support Personnel ........................................................166
Biologist (Forensic Examiner) Training ................................................................166
Chemist (Forensic Examiner) Training ................................................................166
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