The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is an intelligence-driven, threat-focused federal law enforcement agency that is the main investigative branch of the U.S. Department of Justice. The FBI has 56 field offices in the U.S., three of which are in New York (Albany, Buffalo, New York City).
Field offices employ special agents in a wide variety of specialist jobs, each dedicated to protecting citizens from national security threats and major crimes. Agents diligently gather the facts in criminal cases in order to develop evidence that will stand up in a court of law. These specialized professionals often work in teams, including the following found in all three New York field offices:
- Evidence recovery and processing
- Computer forensics/computer analysis
- Tactical support/crisis response
- Bomb Recovery Analysis
- HAZMAT – hazardous materials control/analysis
- Translations
How to Become an FBI Agent in New York
A FBI career is challenging, exciting and rewarding. The two career paths are special agent and professional staff. Special agents conduct investigations and enforce federal statutes. FBI job requirements include:
- Citizen of the U.S.
- 23-36 years of age
- Bachelor’s degree or better
- Two+ years relevant experience
- Willingness to go anywhere
New recruits attend 20 weeks of basic training in Quantico, VA. The focus is on academics, case exercises, firearms training and operational skills. Emphasis is placed on the collection and use of intelligence.
Categories for FBI professional staff jobs in California include:
- Intelligence analysis
- Information technology
- Applied science
- Linguistics
- Business management
- FBI police
- Investigative support/surveillance
New Yorkers interested in pursuing FBI jobs in New York can apply at one of the field offices or online at the FBI Jobs website.
FBI Responsibilities and Jobs in New York Field Offices
New York City. The Manhattan office opened in 1908 when the FBI was created. It remains one of the three largest field offices in the nation with an investigative territory covering eight counties, including the five New York City boroughs, LaGuardia and JFK International Airports, and five satellite offices.
In addition to the specialized operations mentioned above, the New York office has a Crisis Negotiation team of agents trained in crisis hostage negotiations and a Global Response team of agents who, in addition to their regular duties, are ready to respond to large-scale investigations overseas. New York is also home base for the Joint Terrorism Task Force created in 1980 and strengthened after 9/11. It consists of over 300 investigators representing 49 local, state and federal agencies.
Among other successes in January, 2013, the New York office was responsible for the life sentence of a top member of the Gambino organized crime family as well as the indictment of three international cyber criminals who infected over a million computers with deadly viruses.
Albany. Covers 32 counties in northern New York State and includes eight satellite offices. Unlike the other two field offices, Albany has a special agent capable of rendering emergency medical care during special operations or crisis responses.
Buffalo. This field office covers 17 counties in western New York State and includes three satellite offices. In the last couple of months the office has been responsible for the convictions of criminals guilty of child pornography, defrauding an employer, sexual abuse of a minor and loan application fraud.