Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) | Definition

Doc's CJ Glossary by Adam J. McKee
Course: Introduction / Policing

The FBI’s mission is to protect the US from terrorist and foreign intelligence threats, enforce criminal laws, and provide leadership in justice services.


The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a national law enforcement agency that operates under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Justice. The FBI is responsible for investigating a wide range of federal crimes, such as terrorism, cybercrime, white-collar crime, and civil rights violations. The agency also provides forensic services, intelligence analysis, and leadership and training for other law enforcement agencies.

The Bureau was founded in 1908 and has since become one of the most respected and well-known law enforcement agencies in the world. The agency’s mission is to protect the United States from terrorist attacks and other threats, to uphold and enforce federal laws, and to provide support and assistance to other law enforcement agencies.

The FBI’s jurisdiction is broad and includes investigations of federal crimes, such as organized crime, drug trafficking, and public corruption. The agency is also responsible for investigating civil rights violations, such as hate crimes and police misconduct, and for providing assistance to state and local law enforcement agencies in matters such as forensic analysis, training, and technical support.

The Bureau is organized into several divisions, including the Criminal Investigative Division, the Cyber Division, the Counterterrorism Division, and the Intelligence Division. Each division is responsible for a specific area of investigation and works closely with other divisions to ensure that the agency is able to fulfill its mission.

In addition to its investigative responsibilities, the FBI also operates a number of programs aimed at promoting public safety and preventing crime. These programs include the FBI National Academy, the FBI Citizens Academy, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.


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Last Modified: 04/10/2023

 

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