The Federal Bureau of Investigations, better known as the FBI, is a domestic law-enforcement agency that investigates federal crimes and enforces federal laws. With over a century of experience behind it, the FBI is often the first federal agency at the scene of a crime and provides expert agents to aid in prosecutions and investigations. From the years of gangsters in the 1920s, through both World Wars, Vietnam, and the present War on Terror, the FBI has endeavored to loyally defend the constitution, protecting the United States with fairness, integrity, and professionalism.
The FBI’s Boston Field Office
FBI jobs in Massachusetts are centered in the Boston Field Office, and there is an additional 10 satellite offices spread throughout the Boston Division. Careers are available for those who would like to become special agents as well as specialized professionals such as accountants, paralegals, electronics experts, and security.
Special agent positions include computer forensics, hostage negotiation teams, bomb recovery and analysis, Evidence Response Teams, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, and linguists, among others. The Boston Division currently employs over 400 agents and professional staff, and has worked on several recently prominent cases.
FBI Agent Careers in Massachusetts: High Profile Cases
In some instances the hippy movement of the 1960s led to more violent urban terrorist groups. Against the backdrop of a worldwide increase in leftist social movements and the Vietnam War, the 1970s in the United States saw a number of groups use violence to advocate a political cause. This was true in Boston, when FBI Agents were tasked with the investigation of two female Brandeis University students who in conjunction with three others robbed a National Guard armory and a bank, in the process shooting dead a Boston police officer. The FBI listed the suspects on its Most Wanted list and within a few days made their first arrests.
More recently, two of the hijacked planes used in the September 11th attacks took off from Logan International Airport in Boston. FBI Agents gathered information on these terrorists, including the alleged ringleader, Mohammed Atta. Shortly after the 9/11 attacks the infamous shoe bomber Richard Reid attempted to blow up a passenger airliner that was subsequently diverted to Logan International Airport where Boston FBI Agents placed the would-be bomber in custody, gathered evidence, and interviewed witnesses. The Boston Division also pursues cases less known to the public, including Medicare and mortgage fraud, embezzlement, and child pornographers who use the internet to commit their crimes.
Most of the FBI jobs in Massachusetts center around the accomplishment of two key principals: protection and engagement. Agents protect the United States from terrorist attacks, foreign intelligence and espionage operations, cyber-based attacks, and ensure individuals’ civil rights. They combat public corruption on all levels, national and trans-national criminal organizations, white-collar crime, and significant violent crime.
How to Become an FBI Special Agent in Massachusetts: Training and
Degree Requirements
To start a career and become an FBI Agent in Massachusetts the prospective Special Agent must meet the strict entry-level requirements. These include:
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Be between the ages of 23 and 36 (with some exceptions for eligible veterans)
- Possess a four-year university degree from an accredited institution
- Must have two years of professional work experience
- Possess a valid driver’s license