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U.S. Department ofJustice Federal Bureau ofInvestigation

99 Facts about the FBI ;') "c Questions and Answers

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~ ! .. , .• ': (~f;:' 1 {' ) I I \ j 99 FACTS 1 1 A~OUT :1 i! :1 THEtBI QUESTIONS'& ANSWERS

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i 1 WHEN WAS THE FBI FOUNDED? In 1908 Attorney General Charles Bonaparte I directed that Department of Justice investi­ gations be hand led by a small group of spe­ I cial investigators. This group was formed as i I the HBureau of Investigation" and/ in 1935/ I i ~ the present name of Federa I Bureau of Inves­ a> '0 >.- I .c:a>::0 Cd ,!!: ...... (1) Q)tH tigation was designated by Congress. s c E.... E rn'5 a> H 0 (j) a> e~m= a> 0. -CO(/) .c ~ a: (/) "") '0a>c ,2 ~ _E (/) ~ () ....a> .c:til '5 2 WHO IS THE HEAD OF THE FBI? ,~'5. 0 :g ~ 0- ~oco Cii a> a> a>.... ,- ';:: 0 .... Wi II iam H. Webster was sworn in as Di rector .... ooCij a> '~ E (/)s:'OZ Cij a> a> on February 23, 1978. Director Webster was a> a> til .~ '0 a> E (/) iii 00 >.>c.c: >. ;:+:: _"'-cu .... '0 a> (/) United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth (/)(/) O°Cl)&f- 0 ::J::J til (/) .... C (/) "")"") 0 a> x'C°(/) ..... a: Circuit before hi s appointment by the Presi­ a> ,_.c: a> a> "") 00 0:3 .- () _CI) a> dent to head the FBI. Prior to his service e- ~c..tIl,g - Z a>::J 0"": 0 a: ::J,-a> 0. i0 a> a> on the appellate bench/ he was United States E;7 '0 0>:5 ..... (/) ,2 :5 t:(/) e.5_o :c en tile o.cuoc :::I '0 Di stri ct Judge for the Eastern Di strict of a> "") a> a.=Cl)tIl ~.5 a> ,2 -0 '0"': CC :::I Cii ,- CI) Mi ssouri. .0 c,~:g ~ '0 C J!lc (/):;::: a> o.c: ° 0 :::IS: ·m CI) - 0...... 'E 0 0 :::lZ .c§a>_ 0. ';:: (/)'_ ..... til .....a> () til Cij til '0 WHAT IS JUDGE WEBSTER'S BACKGROUND? .c: N -'- o· _ca>o,- c = :::I -c 3 53~Ea> ~I Judge Webster saw servi ce in World War II E ..... :::I.c: e 00"'" o.a> ~ :::1 ..... 0- !l and then graduated from Amherst College. In go-c53 • ~.c: Ii -Cc(/)(/)a> .... - 1949, he earned a Juri s Doctor degree from (/)~:c~,g ~'O .- ...... a. CJ) t::c .c:a>cCl):::I Washington University School of Law in St. I- 0.._ ..... "") i! .~ Loui s. As a I ieutenant in the United States \ Naval Reserve, he al so served in the Korean 1 Conflict. Privote law practice preceded the States, willing and available to serve in any new Director's appointment as United States part of the United States or Puerto Rico. Attorney for the Eastern Oi stri ct of Mi ssouri Th("y mu st have reached thei r 23rd but not in 1960. 35th bi rthday on th e date of entry on duty. Another requirement is that they be in ex­ 4 HOW IS THE DIRECTOR OF THE FBI cellent physi cal condition. Appl i cants must APPOINTED TO HIS OFFiCE? possess either a I aw degree with a minimum Legislation enacted in June, 1968, provides of 2 years of resi dent undergraduate college that the Director of the FBI shall be appoint­ work or a 4-year accounting degree. In ad­ ed by the Presi dent wi th the advi ce and con­ dition, the FBI considers applicants pos­ sent of the Senate. sessing a 4-year resident college degree wi~h fluency in a language for which the Bur·gau has a need, or 3 years of experience of a 5 WHAT GUIDELINES WERE USED IN SETTING professional, executive, complex investi­ UP THE FBI AS A CAREER SERVICE? gative, or other specialized nature. Appli­ J. Edgar Hoover accepted his initial appoint­ cants who have a master' ~ or doctoral de­ ment in 1924 from Har Ian Fiske Stone, then gree in a physi cal science, or a bachelor's Attorney Genera I, wi th the understandi ng that degree plus 3 years' scientific experience in FBI positions would be filled on the basis of a physical science ma}' also be considered. obi lity and character without political inter­ ference, and performance and~chievement 8 WHAT OTHER JOBS would be the requirements for promotion with­ ARE THERE in the organization. IN THE FBI? 6 WHAT SAFEGUARDS ARE THERE AGAINST ABUSES OF AUTHORITY BY THE FBI AND ITS DIRECTOR? The FBI's activities and operations are under constant scrutiny and review by the Attorney General, committees of Congre.ss, the Office of Management and Budget, the courts, and the Nation's press.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS : H 7 WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE FBI SPECIAL AGENT POSITION? The investigative work in the FBI is per­ Applicants must be citizens of the United formed by Special Agents, but there are many \ '" 2 3

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: I , ! ! t , ,I j! other jobs of a SUpport nature which are organi zed into ten divi sions, each headed by vital to the Bureau's operations. The secre­ an Assi stant Director who is accountable to tary, typist, file clerk, computer programmer the Director for all matters within his sphere fingerprint exam iner, laboratory techni ci an I I of operations. radio maintenance technician, and recep~ tionist are only a few of the numerous positions filled by noninvestigative per­ I WHAT KIND OF TRA!NING DO FBI AGENTS r 13 sonnel. RECEIVE? i II All FBI Agents must compl ete an intensive course at the FBI Academy, located on the 9 APPROXIMATELY HOVtf MANY PEOPLE ARE EMPLOYED BY THE FBI? United St~tes Marine Corps Base at Quantico, I Virgini a. It is a tough and demanding train­ The FBI has over 19,000 employees. About ing period in which the new Agent receives 7,800 of these are Special Agents. instruction in such areas as constitutional law, Federal criminal procedure, collection 10 DOES THE FBI EMPLOY WOMEN AS SPECIAL and preservation of evidence, investigative AGENTS? techniques, scientific crime detection, fire­ Yes. arms, and defensive tactics. Periodically throughout an Agent's career he or she wi II receive refresher training designed to keep 11 ARE THERE BLACK SPECIAL AGENTS? him or her up to date on the I atest procedures Yes. FBI Director William H. Webster has and techn; ques of their profession. stated, ItSubstantial representation of mi­ norities and females in our ranks is right and just. Moreover, it is sound from an 14 WHY IS LAW A DESIRABLE EDUCATIONAL operations standpoint; we must represent QUALIFICATION FOR THE SPECIAL AGENT POSITION? all .our citizens in order to gain the coop­ eratIon necessary in our investigations." In addition to having a knowledge of a sus­ pect's rights and the applicability of Federal law to a given situation, FBI Agents must, 12 HOW MANY FIELD OFFICES DOES THE FBI during the course of a criminal investigation, HA VE AND WHAT IS THE ORGANIZATION_ collect evidence which is legally admissible Al STRUCTURE? to prove the guilt of the criminal. A legal The FBI has 59 field offices located in education provides training in analyzing a major cities throughout the United States set of facts and applying laws and regula­ and in San Juan, Puerto Ri co. Each, with ti ons to them. the exception of the New York Office which is headed by an Assistant Director is under the direct supervision of a Special' Agent in 15 WHY IS ACCOUNTING AN ALTERNATE Charge, who in turn is supervised and re­ EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION FOR THE ceives directions from headquarters in SPECIAL AGENT POSITION? Washington, D. C. Headquarters itself is Accounting is an alternate educational rea 4 5

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quirement because investigations of many 18 HOW OFTEN ARE SPECIAL AGENTS matters under the jurisdiction of the FBI , I ROTATED IN TH'EIR ASSIGNMENTS? such as bank embezzlements, frauds against I There are no specific tours of duty. Special the Government; tort claims, Renegotiation Agent assignments are ba'sed upon the needs Act cases, and other white-collar crimes re­ of the Bureau, and Agents must be ava; lable qu ire expert know ledge of account i ng prac­ tices and procedures. at any time for general or special assign­ ment anywhere in the United States or its territories. 16 IF SOMEONE CLAIMS TO BE AN FBI AGENT, HOW CAN ONE POSITIVELY IDENTIFY HIM OR HER AS SUCH? 19 IS THE FBI CONSIDERED A CAREER SER­ VICE? Each Special Agent carries a commission card which identifies him or her as a Special Yes. Forty-three percent of the Special A­ gents have ten years or more of servi ceo

FBI JURISDICTION

20 WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY FUNCTIONS OF THE FBI AND ITS AGENTS? The FBI investigates violations of certain Federal statutes and collects evidence in cases in whi ch the United States is or may be an interested party. The FBI performs other Agent of the FBI and which bears the Agent's duties specifically imposed by law or Presi­ name, signature, and photograph. Each Agent dential directive and conducts a number of is also issued a gold FBI badge in the shape servi ce activities for other law enforcement of a shield surmounted by an eagle. agencies.

17 HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO OPERATE THEN THE FBI DOES NOT INVESTIGATE THE FBI? 21 ALL VIOLATIONS OF FEDERAL AND Appropriations for the Fiscal Year 1978 a­ CONSTITUTIONAL LAW? mounted to $553,954,000. Fines, recoveries, True. The FBI can investigate a matter only and potential economic loss prevented in when it has authority to do so under a law cases investigated by the FBI amounted to passed by Congress or on instructions of the $837, 108, 070. Presi dent or the Attorney Genera I. , , \ 6 7 I:

22 WHAT IS THE FBI'S JURISDICTION IN THE FIELD OF ORGANIZED CRIME? AND THE SECRET SERVICE IS RESPONSI­ BLE FOR PROTECTING THE PRESIDENT? Most of the Federal statutes enacted to com­ bat organi zed crime are aimed at eradi cating The FBI investigated the assassination of interstate gambling, large-scale intrastate President John F. Kennedy under direct or­ gambling, hoodlum loan sharking, gangland ders of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. infiltration of legitimate business, and inter­ Since that time, a law has been passed mak. state travel in ai d of racketeering. Other ing it a crime for anyone to ki II, kidnap, or statutes often utilized are those dealing with assault, or for anyone to attempt or to con­ pornography, arson-for-h ire, extortion, 1hefts spire to kill or kidnap the President of the from interstate shipments, and IGbor racket­ United States, the President-elect, the Vice eering. President, or if there is no Vice President, the officer next in the order of succession to the Offi ce of the Pres ident, the Vi ce Pres io WHAT DOES THE FBI DO WITH FACTS 23 dent-elect, or any individual actinq as Presi­ AND EVIDENCE GATHERED DURING AN INVESTIGATION? dent under the Constitution and I·aws of the United States. The law specifically desig­ If a possible violation of Federal law under nates the FBI as the investigative agency. the jurisdiction of the FBI has occurred, the FB I wi II conduct an investigation. The facts DOES AN FBI AGENT HAVE POWERS OF of the case are then presented to the ap­ 26 OR ANY AUTHOR~TY OUTSIDE THE propriate United States Attorney or Depart­ UNITED STATES AND ITS TERRITORIES? ment of Justice official who will determine No. whether or not prosecuti on or further acti on is warranted. The FBI does not give an 27 DOES THE FBI INVESTIGATE MATTERS opi nion or decide whether an individua I wi II INVOLVING NARCOTICS OR INCOME be prosecuted. TAX VIOLATIONS? No. Narcotics are under the jurisdiction of 24 ARE THE CIA AND THE SECRET SERVICE the Drug Enforcement Administration in the PART OF THE FBI? Justice Department, whi Ie the Treasury De­ No. The FBI is the investigative arm of the partment hand les tax matters. As a matter of Department of Justi ceo The Secret Service is cooperation, however, information developed an agency of the Treasury Department, whi Ie by the FBI during the course of its investiga­ the Central Intelligence Agency is an inde­ tions which relates to matters handled by pendent member of the Executive branch of other Federal, state, or local agencies is the Government. promptly di sseminated to the agency having primary investigative responsi bi I ity. 25 WHY DID THE FBI INVESTIGATE THE ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT JOHN F. 28 ISN'T THE FBI A TYPE OF NATIONAL KENNEDY IF THE MURDER OF THE PRESI­ FORCE? DENT WAS NOT THEN A FEDERAL CRIME Definitely not. The FBI is a fact-finding , , • I organization investigating violations of Fed- 8 9

L_. ______< ______~ ___ .~~. __ " __ •___ _ eral laws and its authority is strictly limited to matters within its jurisdiction. vestigations are furni shed to the requesting i ~ ! ' agency which then decides whether or not to ; f grant the individual a security clearance. 29 WOULDN'T A NATIONAL POLICE AGENCY '{' BE THE MOST EF::"ECTIVE FORCE AGAINST CRIME? 33 DOESTHEFBIPROPOSEPASSAG~OFNEW '.i LAWS IT BELIEVES ARE NECESSARY TO No. The same objective can be accomplished FIGHT CRIME? through Cooperation of the various lawen­ No. Proposing new legislation such as this forcement agencies without surrendering to is the responsibility of the Department ?f Jus­ the democratically repugnant concept of a centra I i zed, powerfu I po lice force. tice; however, on the basis of investigative experience, the FBI may furnish comments or observations on legi slative matters to the De­ 30 WHAT AUTHORITY DO FBI AGENTS HAVE TO MAKE ? partment of Justice for its consideration. FBI Agents may make arrests without a war­ rant for any Federal offense commift.ed in 34 CAN THE FBI BE "CALLED IN" TO INVES­ their presence, or when they have reasonable TIGATE A SERIOUS CRIME, SUCH AS MURDER, grounds to bel ieve that the person to be ar­ WHEN THE LOCAL POLICE ARE UNABLE TO SOLVE THE CASE? rested has committed or is attempting to com­ mit a felony violation of United States laws. No. The FBI has no authority to investigate Agents may also make arrests by warrant. local crimes which are not within FBI juris­ diction. The FB I wi II, however, render all possible assistance to the local police 31 WHAT IS THE GENERAL POLICY OF THE FBI REGARDING ARRESTS BY AGENTS? through the FBI Laboratory and Identification Division. Agents do not make arrests for u'investiga_ t Ion' "11or on susp'c,on."'t Be f ore arrests are made, if at all possible, the facts of each 3,5 BRIEFLY, WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF THE ca se are presented to the Un ited States Attor­ FBI IN THE FIELD OF CIVIL RIGHTS? n,ey who decides whether or not a Federal It is to objectively investigate alleged viola- . violation has occurred and, if so, he may tions of the civil rights statutes within FBI authorize Agents to file a complaLnt which jurisdiction and furnish the results of these serves as the basis of the . investigations to the Department of Justice for a determination of whether further action or prosecution is desired. 32 HOW CAN I GET AN FBI SECURITY CLEAR­ ANCE? CAN'T THE FBI PROVIDE PERSONAL PRO­ The FBI does not issue security clearances 36 except for its own employees. It does con­ TECTION TO CIVIL RIGHTS WORKERS OR duct applicant-type investigations in certain OTHERS WHO BELIEVE THEY ARE IN DANGER cases at the request of other Government a­ OR WHO HAVE BEEN THREATENED WITH gencies concerning individuaLs requiring se~ BODILY HARM? curiiy clearances. The results of these in- No. The FBI is an investigative agency, not 10 11 L ______- ~_-=---~D _____~_~_~, __ ~_---w----__~ ______~...... - __• __ ~ - "'4''''-

a national pol ice force. Agents cannot as­ law enforcement for anyone committing viola­ sume without authority the role of protective i: ! : tions of the law and that FBI investigations bodyguard to any citizen or group of citizens. I I I wi II clear the innocent officer of unfounded .,J I charges as well as identify the guilty • 37 IF AN FBI AGENT SAW AN INDIVIDUAL i ROBBING A BANK, HE OR SHE WOULD IF A CRIME IS COMMITTED THAT IS A IMMEDIATEL Y PLACE THE ROBBER UNDER 40 VIOLATION OF BOTH LOCAL AND FEDERAL ARREST. SUPPOSE AN AGENT WITNESSED LAWS, DOES THE FBI ' 'TAKE OVER" THE THE MANAGER OF A LARGE HOTEL RE­ INVESTIGATION? FUSING TO RENT A ROOM TO AN INDIVID­ UAL BECAUSE OF HIS OR HER RACE IN No. State and loca I law enforcement agenc ies VIOLATION OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF are not subordinate to the FB I and the FB I 1964. COULD OR WOULD THE AGENT has no authority over them. Through coopera­ ARREST THE HOTEL MANAGER? tion, the investigative resources of the FB I No. In the absence of the use of force or and the local agency are pooled in a common threat of force in the denial of such accommo­ effort to solve the case. dations because of race, the Civi I Rights Act of 1964 has no criminal provisions under 41 ARE NOT FBI EMPLOYEES OF which the Agent might arrest the hotel man­ THEBUREAU,MUCHTHESAMEASSP& ager. The FBI would conduct a prelimInary CIAl AGENTS, EXCEPT THAT THEY CON­ investigation and submit the facts of the case DUCT ONLY UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATIONS?" to the Department of Justice for its determi­ No. Informants are not hired or trained em­ nation as to whether further action is war­ ployees of the FBI, although they may re­ ranted. ceive compensation in some instances for their expenses and information. Informants 38 IF A RESTAURANT OWNER ASKED FBI are simply individuals ·who- furnish informa .. AGENTS TO REMOVE PERSONS ENGAGED tion to the FBI on a confidential basi s. IN AN UNLAWFUL SIT-DOWN DEMONSTRA­ TION, WOULD THEY COMPLY? No. The restaurant owner would be advised CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS that the FBI is an investigative, not a police, agency and that such action is not a func­ tion of the FBI. 42 IF A CRIME IS COMMITTED ON A MILITARY RESERVATION, WHAT IS THE JURISDICTION OF THE FBI? 39 DOES THE CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE FBI AND MOST LOCAL Generally, if only military personnel are in­ POLICE INTERFERE WITH THE EFFECTIVE­ volved, the matter will be h.andled by military NESS OF FBI INVESTIGATIONS OF CIVIL authorities, unless the crime concerns Gov­ RIGHTS COMPLAINTS AGAINST LAW ernment property or funds, in which case the ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS? FBI has jurisdiction. The FBI also has No. Responsible and professional police of. responsibi I ity when only civi I ians not sub­ ficers fully realize that there is no room in ject to military law are involved 12 13 46 DOES THE FBI ADVOCATE PAYMENT OF 43 DOES THE FBI· INVESTIGATE ALL BANK MONEYTHATMAYBEDEMANDEDBYA ROBBERIES? CRIMINAL IN AN EXTORTION. OR KIDNAPING The FBI has jurisdiction over robberies of CASE? financial institutions which are (1) members of the Federal Reserve System, or (2) insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

This is a decision thot must be made by the fam ily or person from whom the ransom is be ing demanded.

47 DOES THE FBI HAVE ANY AUTHORITY TO INVESTIGATE CRIMES INVOLVING THEFTS OF LARGE SUMS OF MONEY, JEWELRY, OR PROPERTY? . Under the Interstate Transportation of Stolen or Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Cor­ Property Statute, the FBI has authority to in­ poration, or (3) organized under the laws of vestigate those cases wherein stolen property the United States, or (4) federally insured valued at $5,000 or more has been tran sported credit unions. across state lines.

44 IF A CHILD IS MISSING UNDER CIRCUM­ 48 WHAT IS THE BASIS FOR THE FBI'S JURIS­ STANCES INDICATING THAT A KIDNAPING DICTION IN BOMBING CASES? HAS OCCURRED, BUT NO INTERSTATE Bombing investigations conducted by the FBI TRANSPORTATION IS KNOWN, WILL THE are handled primari Iy under the provi sions of FBI BEGIN AN INVESTIGATION? the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970. Yes. The law provides that unless the victim This Act, among other provisions, prohibits is located or released within 24 hours, it is the use of explosives or incendiary devices ~resumed that he or she has been transported against property used by the Federa I Gov­ Interstate. ernment, federally funded activities, or ac­ tivities that.affect interstate commerce. 45 ISN'T IT TRUE THAT THE CRIMINAL WORK OF THE FBI IS CONCERNED WITH ONLY 49 'WHY ARE BOMBING CASES SO DIFFICULT SERIOUS FEDERAL CRIMES SUCH AS BANK TO SOLVE? ROBBERY, KIDNAPING, AND EXTORTION? No. The FBI's jurisdiction includes a wide In these cases there are generally no wit­ range of responsibilities in both the criminal nesses and I ittle, if any, physi cal evidence and security fields. to identify the perpetrator of the crime. In 14 15

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addition, if the bomb ",.,s a tim ing device, the bomber may be many mi les away at the RUPTION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND IN time of the explosion. STATE AND LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS? In certain instances the FBI does investigate graft and corruption in local government and in state and local police departments under the Hobbs Act of the Anti-Racketeering Stat­ ute, the Interstate Transportation in Aid of Racketeeri ng Statute, and the Organ i zed Cri me Contro I Act of 1970.

53 HOlf.J MANY INDIVIDUALS ARE CONVICTED OF ONE OR MORE CRIMES EACH YEAR IN CASES INVESTIGATED BY THE FBI? During the 1978 Fi scal Year, 9,878 indivi d­ uar s were convicted of crimes in FBI cases.

54 WHEN THE FBI RECOVERS STOLEN PROPER­ 50 ON WHAT BASIS DOES THE FBI SELECT ITS TY, WHY IS IT NOT RETURNED IMMEDIATELY "TEN MOST WANTED FUGITIVES"? IN ALL INSTANCES TO THE OWNER? This selection is based on several items, in­ Such property is often used as evidence in cluding the fugitive's past criminal record, the trial of the thief. The disposition of re­ the threat posed to the community, the seri­ covered property is controlled by the United ousness of the crime for which the fugitive States Attorney or the F edera I court. is sought, and whether nationwide publicity is likely to assist in apprehension. 55 WILL THE FBI INVESTiGATE THE MURDER OR SUSPECTED MURDER OF A FEDERAL 51 WHY DOES THE FBI CONDUCT INVESTIGA­ EMPLOYEE WHO IS KILLED WHILE TIONS TO LOCATE SOME CRIMINALS UNDER PERFORMING HIS OFFICIAL DUTIES? THE UNLAWFUL FLIGHT STATUTE AND NOT Yes, but only if the employee is in one of the OTHERS? categories covered by the statute governing The fugitive must be wanted by local author­ assaults and killings of Federal officers or ities for prosecution, or confinement after if there is evidence of a violation of the stat­ conviction, for a crime which is a felony. ute governing conspi racies to impede or injure Federal officers. Local authorities must have information that the individual has fled interstate, request 'N FBI assistance to locate him or her" and ,~~ 56 IF A CITIZEN FURNISHES FACTS TO THE FBI agree to extradite and prosecute upon appre­ AND THERE IS A QUESTION AS TO WHETHER hension. l~ THE FACTS CONSTITUTE A FEDERAL VIOLA­ TION, WHO DECIDES THE QUESTION? 52 DOES THE FBI INVESTIGATE GRAFT AND COR .. The FBI will present the facts to the United States Attorney who then determines whether 16 17

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a Federal violation has occurred and whether the facts warrant prosecutive action. gency and does not designate or label orgcin­ izations. 57 WHAT IS THE POLICY OF THE FBI CONCERN­ ING THE USE OF FIREARMS? 61 WHAT ARE THE PRIMAR'y SOURCES OF FBI An fBI Agent is trained to Use firearms only AUTHORITY TO INVESTIGATE SUBVERSIVE in self-defense or to safeguard the I ives of GROUPS? other person s. The FBI's authority in this area is based on Congressional enactments and orders of the 58 BF A SOLDIER IS MISSING FROM HIS MILITARY Attorney General. UNIT, WILL THE FBI DESIGNATE HIM A DESERTER AND CONDUCT AN INVESTI­ 62 DOES THE FBI INVESTIGATE WHITE HATE GATION TO LOCATE HIM? GROUPS AS WELL AS REVOLUTIONARY No. FB I assistance to locate a deserter from GROUPS? the Armed Forces may be requested by mil i­ Yes. The FBI is charged with internal secu­ tary authorities after they have dropped the rity respons ibi I ities and any group which individual from the rolls as a deserter. The follows a policy of violence, or in any way FBI wi II then conduct an investigation t-o lo­ violates laws Over which the FBI has juris­ cate and apprehend the deserter. dicti·on, wi /I be thoroughly and impartially investigated. 59 IF FBI AGENTS HAVE AUTHORITY ONLY IN THE UNITED STATES AND ITS POSSESSIONS 63 DOES THE FBIINVESTIGA TE FOREIGN. AND FBI JURISDICTION IS GENERALLY BASED INSPIRED TERRORIST ACTS? ON INTERSTATE TRANSACTIONS, HOW CAN Yes. The FB I investigates such acts when THE FBI INVESTIGATE CRIMES ON THE HIGH and if directed against targets in the United SEAS? States. These investigations cover terrorist The United States Constitution specifically hijackings, kidnapings, bombings, and as­ grants Congress authority to pass laws gov­ saults when against foreign officials. erning crimes on the high seas. The FBI has juri sdiction over many of these crimes pur­ suant to Congressional enactment. FOREIGN COUNTERmTELLmENCE

64 WHAT IS THE FBI'S FOREIGN COUNTERINTEL­ SECURITY MATTERS LIGENCE RESPONSIBILITY? It is the responsibility of the -FBI, within the 60 DOES THE FBI COMPILE A LIST OF OR­ Un ited States, to detect, lawfuJly counterad, , GANIZATIONS IT HAS DESIGNATED AS SUB. and/or prevent and other clandes­ VERSIVE? tine intell igence acti vities, sabotage, inter­ No. The FBI is strictly a fact-finding a- national terrori st activiti es, or assassinations conducted for or on behalf of foreign powers, 18 \, 19 - organizations, orpersons. This res~onsibility does not include personnel, physical, docu­ found in university or other private research ment, or communi cation s secu rity programs facilities, "think tanks," li~raries, and spe­ outside the FBI itself. cialized trade association publications. --. 66 AREN'T SP'ES INTERESTED ONLY IN CLASSI­ 65 WHAT ARE n FIED INFORMATION? THE No. While classified information (that is, TARGETS I r information rei ating to national security) is OF THE of high interest, many similarly important tar­ FOREIGN gets are unclassified. Acquisition through ir­ SPY? regular channels of unclassified materials, concerning such areas as basic research or sophisticated production techniques, assist foreign countries by providing them at mini­ mum cost with the best research and tech­ nology the Un ited States can produce. Such material s are often collected in a manner which conceal sthe interest of the fore'ign country.

67 DOES THE FBI INVESTIGATE CRIMES AGAINST FOREIGN DIPLOMATIC OFFICIALS IN THIS COUNTRY? Under the Act for the Protection of Foreign Officials and Official Guests 6f the United States, the FBI investigates murders, kid­ napings, and assaults against such individ- ual s as well as damage to property of for­ eign governments in the United States. Jurisdiction under this Act is held concur­ rently with local authorities and the FBI investigates when the crimes committed would adversely affect the conduct of United States foreign affairs. j 68 DO FOREIGN SPIES OPERATE "UNDER­ Government agencies and mi Iitary facil ities COVER"? remain high-priority targets of foreign intelli­ Yes. Often such spies use the cover of for- gence services. Increasingly, however, the eign diplomatic or commercial representatives, foreign spy also seeks information concerning members of foreign aircraft or sh ip crews, advanced United States technology and pro­ vi siting scienti sts, scholars, exchange stu­ duction processes. Such targets are often dents, and immigrants. -

69 HASN'T ADVANCED ESPIONAGE TECHNOL .. OGY REDUCED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE 72 HOW CAN THE AVERAGE CITIZEN HELP THE FBI PROTECT THE UNITED STATES FROM FOREIGN SPY? FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS? No. Advanced technology, such as satel­ The avetage citizen can assi st the FBI by lite photography, does assist foreign intel­ ligence services. However, in the open so­ reporting suspicious circumstances that migh1 ciety thi s country repre;sents, the spy con­ be indicative of foreign intelligence opera­ tions. Just because a document, production tinues to be a most effective weapon, parti­ process, piece of equipment, or component cularly in determining United States atti­ part is not classified, doesn't mean it is not tudes, plans, and intentions. of interest to the foreign spy. 70 WE HEAR AND READ A LOT ABOUT NEGOTIA­ TIONS AND MEETINGS IN WHICH REPRESEN!T­ 73 SHOULDN'T A ClnZEN VERIFY HIS SUSPI­ ATIVES OF OUR COUNTRY ARE WORKING CIONS BEFORE REPORTING THEM TO THE WITH THOSE OF OTHER COUNTRIES TO MAIN­ rBI? TAIN PEACE AND BRING ABOUT A LESSENING Certainly not. Foreign intelligence oper­ OF TENSIONS AND BETTER INTERNATION~ tltions are matters for coordinated efforts of UNDERSTANDING. HAVEN'T THESE EFFoRTS, WHICH STRESS COOPERtfiON AND OpeN­ carefully trained investigators of the FBI and other professionals. Citizens should NESS, REDUCED THflPtMOUNT,0~ESp10- NAGE AND RELATED ACTIVITIES? not attempt their own investigations. Don't forget that vigilante-style investigation No. Developments in the international poli­ could disrupt the careful, long-range efforts ti cal arena do have some relationship to in­ of the professionals. telligence activities of nations. But, it has been our experience that some countries have actually stepped up their clandestine activities against the United States during times when they have been making publ i c statements on behalf of peace and fri end­ ship.

71 THEN WHY DO WE SO SELDOM READ ABOUT ARRESTS FOR ESPIONAGE? FBI COOPERATIVE SERVICES I Arrests al'e only one means of stopping es­ pionage-type activities, and not the most common one. Remember thJt when a dip­ 74 HOW MANY FINGERPRINTS ARE ON FilE lomat is caugkt in espionage, there can be WITH THE FBI AND HOW MANY PERS.ONS no prosecution. And even when a nondip­ ARE REPRESENTED BY THESE FINGER­ lomat is detected, it may not be in the best PRINTS? interests of our Government to publi­ On February 1, 1979, the FBI files contained cize the event. Counterespionage is, by na­ 170,791,233 fingerprint cards representing ! , ture, a quiet and complicated activity. 64,680,080 person s. 22 23 L-______.______~~~~ ____ ~_. __ .~ __ ._. tt'"

75 WHO HAS THEIR FINGERPRINTS IN FBI FILES? dismissal of the charge, will be placed on The prints of arrested persons, aliens, the fingerprint record. Government applicants, and military per­ sonnel form the large part of FBI fin­ 78 WILL THE FBI FURNISH FINGERPRINT gerprint records. In addition, many citi­ RECORDS TO PRrV ATE CITIZENS? zens voluntarily submit their fingerprints Yes. Pursuant to Department of Justice Or­ for personal identification reasons. der 556-73, an individual may obtain a copy of his or her arrest record by submitting a written request directly to the FBI Identifica­ tion Division, together with a set of rolled inked fingerprint impressions taken on a fin­ gerprint card which indicates the individual's name and birth data. There is a requi red fee of $5 for this service.

79 DOES THE FBI EXCHANGE FINGERPRINT INFORMATION WITH FOREIGN POLICE AGENCIES?

-- -- Yes. The FBI exchanges fingerprint infor­ ,- ., . ... - - - ' - mation with 81 friendly noncommuni st coun­ tries on a cooperative basis. 76 DOES THE FBI CONDUCT FINQERPRINT EX", AMINATIONS FOR PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS? No. The FBI conducts fingerprint examina­ WILL THE FBI LOOK FOR tions only for law enforcement agencies and 80 A MISSING PERSON? officials and for other Federal agencies.

77 IF A PERSON IS ARRESTED AND FINGER­ PRINTED, AND THE CHARGE IS LATER DIS­ MISSED, HOW IS THE FINGERPRINT RECORD IN THE FBI CHANGED TO REFLECT DISMISS­ Al OF THE CHARGE? The responsibility for submitting complete and up-to-date information concerning the di sposition of an arrest is with the agency submitting the arrest fingerprint card. The No. However, the FBI wi II post a FBI strongly urges all police agencies sub­ stop notice in the files of the Iden­ mitting arrest fingerprint cards to follow the tification Divi sion at the request case and submit a final disposition for the of relatives or law enforcement completion of the records maintained by the agencies and wi II notify the FBI. The information submitted, includin\l :1

25 " , 24

« ' inquirer of any information received regard­ ing the mi ssing person's whereabouts. 84 WHAT OTHER TRAINING ASSISTANCE IS AFFORDED LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OF­ FICERS? Approximately 5,000 local, county, and state 81 WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF THE FBI DISAS­ law enforcement officers receive specialized TERSQUAD? training at fhe FBI Academy located on the The function of the FBI Disaster Squad is to Marine Corps Base at Quantico, , identify, through fingerpri nts, the victims of each year. This training is determined by disasters. The services of this specially the needs of local law enforcement agencies. trained group are avai lable upon request of In addition, the FBI has more than 2,100 local law enforcement and governmental agen­ Special Agents qualified to instruct local law cies or transportation companies following a enforcement officers in various phases of catastrophe where identification of victims their work. They are available upon request is a problem. to assist in training programs being conduct­ ed by these agencies in the United States.

82 DOES THE FBI'S DISASTER SQUAD GO AUTO­ 85 IS THE FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY AVAILABLE MATICALLY TO A SCENE OF ANY DISASTER ONL Y TO UNITED STATES POLICE OFFICERS? TO ASSIST IN IDENTIFYING THE VICTIMS? No. Although the whole concept of the FBI No. The services of the FBI Disaster Squad National Academy is based upon the needs of are made avai·lable only upon request by a law enforcement within our own Nation, as a ranking law enforcement official or transporw cooperative measure, a limited number of tation agency· involved. It can assist in officers from foreign countries are accepted in each session. identifying Americans in di sasters abroad only at the specific invitation of the country involved. 86 WHAT IS THE NATIONAL CRIME INFORMA­ TION CENTER? The National Crime Information Center, pop­ ularly known as NCIC, is a computerized in­ WHAT, IF ANY~ IS THE DIFFERENCE IN TRAIN. 83 formation system establ i shed by the FB I as ING RECEIVED BY SPECIAL AGENTS AT THE a service to all criminal justice agencies _ FBI ACADEMY AND LOCAL POLICE OFFICERS ATTENDING THE FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY? local, state, and Federa I. NCIC stores docu­ Specia.! Agents of the FBI receive training mented information on missing persons, seri­ specifically designed to enable them to han­ alized stolen property, wanted persons for whom an arrest warrant is outstanding, and dle investigative responsibi I ities of Federal criminal hi stories on individuals arrested offenses. The FBI National Academy curric­ and fingerprinted for serious or signifi cant ulum is designed to enhance the administra­ offenses. This information can be instantly tive potential of Ioca I, county, and state po­ retrieved over (J vast communications network lice. The emphasis is on local problems through the use of telecommunications equip­ rather than Federal. ment located in criminal justice agencies in 26 27

,.J-,_ , -,<~---- -"~- ,,---" ..." >.~ • , •• --, "-~-' --.... - •• ---~.-, '-. ~-' -._" •• "- -,,~ "'"­ various locations in the United States, Cana­ da, and Puerto Ri co. promptly furni shed to the appropriate Federal, state, or local . 87 WHAT IS THE ClIS? The NCIC communications network is used 90 IF AN FBI FURNISHES INFORMA­ by (wthori zed local, state, and Federal crime TION REGARDING A CRIME NOT WITHIN THE laboratories to access scientific reference JURISDICTION OF THE FBI, DOES THE FBI information contained on the Criminal i sties CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS TO VERIFY THE Laboratory Information Sy stem (CLlS) data INFORMATION OR TO PROVE THE VIOlA­ base. The CLIS is currently comprised of a TION? General Rifling Characteristics File that is No. This information is expeditiously fur­ used to identify the manufacturer and type nished to the agency having jurisdicfion over of weapon that may have been used to fire a the alleged violation, and the agency is bullet or cartri dge. The CLIS data base is advi sed that the i nformat; on has not been maintained by the FBI Laboratory. verified by FBI investigation..

88 IF AN INDIVIDUAL IS BEING SOUGHT BY 91 DOES THE FBI LABORATORY CONDUCT EX­ lOCAL POLICE FOR COMMITTING A CRIME, AMINATIONS OF EVIDENCE FOR ANYONE WHAT ASSISTANCE CAN BE RENDERED BY OTHER THAN THE FBI? THE FBI TO lOCATE THE FUGITIVE? Yes. The facilities and scientific expertise A stop wi /I be placed against the fugitive's of the FBI Laboratory are available to al/ fingerprints in the FBI Identification Division duly constituted law enforcement agencies and the local police will be immediately noti­ in the United States in their investigation of fied of the receipt of any additional finger­ criminal matters. Approximately 30 percent prints of the fugitive. The fugitive's name of the examinations conducted by the FBI and identifying data wi II al so be entered into Laboratory are for outside agencies. the National Crime Information Center. Any criminal justice agency which subsequently inquires about this individual will be advised of his or her fugitive status. In addition, the FBI may conduct an active investigation to locate the wanted person under Federal un­ I awful fI ight statutes.

89 DOES THE FBI FURNISH lOCAL POLICE AND OTHER lAW ENFORCEMENT AGENC:":S THE IDENTITIES OF PERSONS SUSPECTED OF COMMITTING CRIMES? Yes. Information coming to the attention of the FBI regarding local crimes or crimes within the jurisdiction of other agencies is 28

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92 DOES THE FBI lABORATORY CHARGE OTHER AGENCIES FOR CONDUCTING SCIENTIFIC days through Fridays! excluding holidays! EXAMINATIONS OF EVIDENCE? from 9 a.in. unti I 4 p.m. and last s lightly more As a cooperative measure, no charge is made than one hour. The vi sitors' entrance is lo­ for these examinations. In addition! FBI cated on E Street between 9th and 10th Laboratory experts wi II appear in court as Streets, N. W.! Washington! D. C. No appoint­ required to testify to the results of their ment is necessary for fami I ies or groups numbering less than 15. examinations at no cost to the locai agency.

93 DOES THE FBI KEEP STATISTICS ON CRIMI. 97 Will THE FBI RECOMMEND SCHOOLS OR NAl OFFENSES COMMITTED IN THE UNITED COURSES TO BE TAKEN BY STUDENTS? STATES? No. As a matter of policy! the FBI does not Yes. The FBI collects criminal data from recommend specific schools to be attended pol i ce departments across the Nation and or courses of study to be pursued. compiles it into four quarterly reports as well as a comprehensive annual report. The annual report is published by the Government 98 CAN THE FBI SEND WANTED POSTERS Printing Office and is entitled Crime in the AND FLYERS ON FUGITIVES TO INDIVID .. United States. UAlS ON REQUEST? No. Wanted posters and flyers relating to fugitives currently being sought by the FBI ARE STATISTICS MAINTAINED BY THE FBI 94 are sent primari Iy to law enforcement agen­ ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS CONFINED cies and selected individuals and organiza­ TO PENAL INSTITUTIONS AND ON DIVORCES, tions which are likely to produce information LIQUOR CONSUMPTION, CIGARETTE CON­ regarding the fugitive's location. SUMPTION, DEATHS, AND MARRIAGES? No. These stati sti cs are compi led by the Bureau of the Census and can be found in 99 HOW CAN I CONTACT THE FBI IF I HAVE INFORMATION TO REPORT? its annual publ ication entitled "Stati stica I Abstract of the United States." The front page of most telephone directories lists the telephone number of the nearest FBI field office! all of which are open 24 hours a CAN FBI AGENTS OR FBI HEADQUARTERS 95 day! including Saturday! Sunday! and holidays. FURNISH lEGAL ADVICE? Additional information concerning matters in No. this booklet can be obtained from any field office or by writing to: Federal Bureau of 96 HOW CAN A TOUR OF FBI HEADQUAR­ Investigation! United States Department of Justice! Washington! D. C. 20535. TERS BE ARRANGED? WHEN ARE TOURS ; 1 AVAilABLE? Guided tours of FBI Headquarters, the J. Edgar Hoover F.B.!. Building! are offel'ed Mon-

SEVENTH EDITION 30 31 FBI/DOJ