A c $18.95 (Higher in Canada) Careers k FBI e The Ultimate Guide to LCandiAng a RJob Eas OEne Rof ASmerica’s Finest rman F BIstphtreaoptc ecbTsoyhsv e se ctOroesmp NthpLele YtFeBlbyI o—hoikri ng FB Bureau car—eerfso!r all 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! : T h Most of the information available about getting into the FBI focuses on special e agents. But more than half of the FBI’s workforce is made up of support per- U sonnel. This book gives details on the hiring process for all FBI jobs, including l the support personnel hiring process and requirements, and full descriptions of ti m the most popular support and investigative careers, including a • Biologists and chemists t e C A R E E R S • Computer specialists G • Document analysts u i • 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! t • Evidence technicians o • Financial analysts • Application forms and procedures L a • Fingerprint specialists • Requirements for potential FBI employees n d • Intelligence operations specialists • Tips for standing out from the crowd of applicants i n • Intelligence research specialists • Salary information g • 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 b • 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, O • Police officers n including tips on standing out from other applicants. e About the Author o • Details on positions as special agents, computer specialists, police officers, f 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. c Officer, and Training Academy Instructor since 1980, and has published articles in leading law enforce- a 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.” s F • Sample application forms—and tips for completing them. i n e s 8902 Otis Avenue t Indianapolis, IN 46216-1033 Thomas H. Ackerman 1-800-648-JIST Fax 1-800-JIST-FAX www.jist.com frontmatter.qxd 3/15/02 11:31 AM Page i FBI C A R E E R S The Ultimate Guide to Landing a Job as One of America’s Finest Thomas H. Ackerman frontmatter.qxd 3/15/02 11:31 AM Page ii 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: 1-800-648-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! Quantity discounts are available for JIST books. Please call our Sales Department at 1-800-648-5478 for a free catalog and more information. Acquisitions and Development Editor: Lori Cates Hand Interior Designer: Aleata Howard Cover Designer: Nick Anderson Page Layout Coordinator: Carolyn J. Newland 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 frontmatter.qxd 3/15/02 11:31 AM Page iii 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 iii frontmatter.qxd 3/15/02 11:31 AM Page iv Dedication In memory of Dixie, my mother, who taught me the meaning of justice —and to fight for it. frontmatter.qxd 3/15/02 11:31 AM Page v 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 frontmatter.qxd 3/15/02 11:31 AM Page vi 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 vi frontmatter.qxd 3/15/02 11:31 AM Page vii __________________________________________________________________________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 vii frontmatter.qxd 3/15/02 11:31 AM Page viii 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 viii frontmatter.qxd 3/15/02 11:31 AM Page ix __________________________________________________________________________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 ix