50 Facts About the FBI
1. The FBI was established in 1908 as the Bureau of Investigation (BOI).
2. The FBI's primary mission is to uphold and enforce federal laws.
3. The FBI's headquarters is located in Washington, D.C.
4. The FBI's emblem features an eagle, a shield, and a banner with the words "Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity."
5. The first director of the FBI was J. Edgar Hoover, serving from 1924 to 1972.
6. The FBI investigates a wide range of criminal activities, including terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, and civil rights violations.
7. The FBI operates more than 56 field offices across the United States.
8. The FBI also maintains legal attaché offices in more than 70 countries worldwide.
9. The FBI's fingerprint database is one of the largest in the world.
10. The FBI is part of the U.S. Department of Justice.
11. The FBI has over 35,000 employees, including special agents, analysts, and support staff.
12. The FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) is responsible for profiling and studying serial killers and other criminals.
13. The FBI has its own laboratory, the FBI Laboratory, for forensic analysis of evidence.
14. The FBI was the first agency to use the term "serial killer" in the 1970s.
15. The FBI investigates domestic and international terrorism threats.
16. The FBI's Counterterrorism Division focuses on preventing terrorist attacks.
17. The FBI played a key role in investigating the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
18. The FBI's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams handle high-risk operations.
19. The FBI works closely with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
20. The FBI has played a key role in investigating organized crime syndicates such as the Mafia.
21. The FBI created the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in 1950.
22. The FBI's Counterintelligence Division investigates espionage activities against the United States.
23. The FBI has jurisdiction over federal crimes like drug trafficking, bank robbery, and civil rights violations.
24. The FBI investigates the use of technology for criminal purposes, including hacking and identity theft.
25. The FBI maintains a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division.
26. The FBI conducts background checks for individuals applying for certain types of federal positions.
27. The FBI is responsible for enforcing federal laws related to firearms and explosives.
28. The FBI’s role in investigating the Clinton email controversy in 2016 drew widespread public attention.
29. The FBI is involved in monitoring hate crimes and extremist activities within the U.S.
30. The FBI has a specialized team dedicated to dealing with cybercrime and computer-related crimes.
31. The FBI runs the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) which maintains crime records.
32. The FBI trains local law enforcement agencies in criminal investigation techniques.
33. The FBI has an elite crisis negotiation team that helps resolve hostage situations.
34. The FBI’s Child Abduction Rapid Deployment (CARD) teams respond to cases of child kidnapping.
35. The FBI investigates violent crimes such as shootings and bombings.
36. The FBI’s Laboratory Division provides forensic expertise in a variety of scientific fields.
37. The FBI investigates public corruption and the abuse of power by public officials.
38. The FBI has been involved in the investigation of numerous high-profile cases, including the Unabomber and the Boston Marathon bombing.
39. The FBI maintains a "FBI Most Wanted" list of fugitives who are wanted for federal crimes.
40. The FBI’s HRT (Hostage Rescue Team) specializes in rescuing hostages and neutralizing dangerous suspects.
41. The FBI tracks missing persons and works with other agencies on cases involving human trafficking.
42. The FBI is involved in preventing terrorism financing and money laundering activities.
43. The FBI's Cyber Division investigates cyber threats and digital espionage.
44. The FBI investigates organized labor racketeering and corruption in unions.
45. The FBI operates the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, which collects and compiles crime statistics from local law enforcement agencies.
46. The FBI is a key player in the U.S. government’s efforts to combat illegal immigration.
47. The FBI’s operational budget is in the billions of dollars annually.
48. The FBI collaborates with international law enforcement agencies such as Interpol and Europol.
49. The FBI regularly participates in public outreach programs to build trust with local communities.
50. The FBI has evolved over the years, adapting to the changing nature of crime and technology.