The Federal Bureau of Investigations is present in all 50 states and over 60 locations abroad. There are over 36,000 employees who work for the agency, which has an annual budget of over $8 billion dollars. Established in 1908, today’s FBI has several key priorities, the most important of which is ensuring there will never again be a terrorist attack on United States soil. Other priorities include investigating white-collar crime, combating significant violent crime, upholding civil rights, fighting public corruption, and preventing cyber attacks and foreign intelligence operations in the U.S.
The FBI’s regional headquarters in New Mexico is located in Albuquerque. There are an additional five satellite offices located in Roswell, Farmington, Gallup, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces. Because of its border location and military instillations, the FBI has participated in some prominent cases throughout its history in New Mexico.
The History of High-Profile FBI Cases in New Mexico
Towards the end of World War Two and the beginning of the Cold War, the Los Alamos National Laboratory was one of the most tightly kept secrets in U.S. history, which was in turn penetrated by the intelligence services of the Soviet Union. Because of an FBI investigation, Julius Rosenberg was discovered to be a Soviet spy, and he and his wife Ethel received the death penalty.
FBI Jobs in New Mexico: Specialized Roles for Special Agents
In the present day there is just as much demand for FBI jobs in New Mexico as there was in the past, if not more. There are two initial career paths to choose from: special agent and specialized professional. These each have their own specific requirements, but in common they share the requirements of having U.S. citizenship, being able to pass an FBI background check, and being able to gain an FBI Security Clearance.
One career path is that of the specialized professional. These are people who work in the field and behind the scenes. Careers include:
Intelligence Analysts: These specialized professionals may live abroad and collect intelligence in the field from foreign sources and intelligence assets. Work includes using national and local databases to assess domestic threats and creating intelligence reports for local, state, and other federal law enforcement agencies.
Linguists: Language expertise is vital in gathering intelligence from human and electronic sources. Linguists may assist in undercover operations and participate in interrogations and interviews.
Investigative and Support Surveillance: These professionals operate surveillance equipment on foreign and domestic targets to gather evidence in the assistance of an ongoing case or to make a stronger prosecution. Includes using the latest technology to capture photographic, audio, video, and electronic evidence.
How to Become an FBI Agent in New Mexico
Basic FBI requirements in New Mexico to become a Special Agent include the following:
- U.S. citizen
- Between the ages of 23-36 with some exceptions for career veterans
- Four-year college degree from an accredited institution
- Two years professional work experience
- Possess a valid driver’s license
FBI Special Agent careers involve close collaboration in team environments with agents across many law enforcement organizations. Special Agents are highly trained individuals specializing in a given skill, some of which include:
Evidence and Recovery Processing: The Albuquerque Division has an Evidence Response Team that specializes in crime scene investigation. Team members collect DNA, analyze blood, determine bullet trajectories, lift fingerprints, and take photographs.
Tactical Support and Crisis Response: Also known as the SWAT Team, these agents are trained in special intervention techniques and instances, including hostage situations and forced entry. Specialized weapons training includes shotguns, assault, and sniper rifles.
Victim Assistance: These Special Agents assist victims of federal crimes that are currently under investigation or that have been previously investigated by the FBI. Agents actively participate in and support victim awareness programs and victim advocacy projects.