The New Orleans Division is the epicenter of FBI careers and training in Louisiana. In addition to the New Orleans office, there are six Resident Agencies throughout Louisiana, including:
- Alexandria
- Baton Rouge
- Lafayette
- Lake Charles
- Monroe
- Shreveport
Although the FBI in Louisiana dates as far back as 1914, this FBI Division took on considerable significance following August 29, 2005, when Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. Although the New Orleans FBI office was damaged, this Division was able to recover enough to support rescue and security operations throughout the Gulf Coast communities. Since then FBI Louisiana has been known for its work in fraud, corruption, violence, and other crimes that have become rampant in the years following Hurricane Katrina.
FBI careers in Louisiana handle a full range of crime and national security threats. As such, FBI jobs in Louisiana include the following specialized professionals:
- Financial Analysts
- FBI Special Agents
- Investigative Specialists
- Electronics Technicians
- Security Experts
- Intelligence Analysts
- Evidence Technicians
- Support Service Professionals
FBI jobs in Louisiana include gathering facts; developing evidence; interviewing witnesses; analyzing financial records; managing crime scenes; and gathering information and intelligence from around the world.
FBI Louisiana works with a number of public and private sector partners to achieve both its short- and long-term goals:
- Evidence Recovery and Processing – Two, eight-member Evidence Response Teams are part of FBI Louisiana’s Evidence Recovery and Processing. These Evidence Response Teams include FBI Special Agents with extensive forensic expertise.
- Computer Forensics – FBI Louisiana has a Computer Analysis and Response Team that includes FBI Forensic Examiners who process digital evidence for use by investigators.
- Tactical Support and Crisis Response – There are 23 SWAT team members in the New Orleans Division. In addition, the New Orleans FBI SWAT team is expertly trained to deal with maritime environments and events.
- Hazardous Materials– The FBI New Orleans HAZMAT team of experts are skilled in handling terrorist attacks and criminal incidents involving hazardous materials.
- Bomb Recovery and Analysis – Three FBI Special Agent Bomb Technicians are part of the New Orleans Division and are assigned regional areas of responsibility across Louisiana to ensure excellent coverage throughout the state. FBI Bomb Technicians train with local first responders and law enforcement personnel. They also serve around the world in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom as members of the Combined Explosive Exploitation Cell.
How to Become an FBI Agent in Louisiana: FBI Requirements in Louisiana
Those individuals learning how to become an FBI Agent in Louisiana can find a number of helpful resources through the FBI’s website, as well as the most recent job vacancies in the Bureau. Individuals with FBI career aspirations may also contact the New Orleans Division Office or one of the Resident Agencies in Louisiana for career guidance.
In addition, it is important for anyone considering how to become an FBI Agent in Louisiana to fully understand the strict requirements set forth by the Bureau. All candidates must be U.S. citizens and must be between the ages of 23 and 36 (Veterans may qualify if they are older than 37). Further, all candidates must possess a four-year degree, at least 2 years of professional work experience, and a valid U.S. driver’s license.
FBI requirements in Louisiana also include undergoing an FBI background check, a physical fitness evaluation, and a medical examination, including a vision test and a hearing test. Candidates who do not meet the above FBI requirements are not eligible for employment with the FBI.