The FBI is the foremost federal law enforcement agency in the United States. Although it is often in the headlines, most of the work performed by FBI Agents is done behind closed doors. Combating and preventing terrorism, conterintelligence, and cyber crimes are the three principal national security priorities the FBI is tasked with. In addition, the agency fights public corruption, organized crime, white-collar crime, and major theft. The FBI is also critical in upholding the values of the Constitution and maintaining civil rights.
The FBI Regional Headquarters in Minneapolis covers one of the largest geographic areas in the country, comprised of North Dakota and South Dakota in addition to Minnesota. Along with the headquarters office, there are also six other satellite offices located throughout Minnesota.
A prominent case involving FBI Special Agents from the Minneapolis Division occurred in 1973 when activists from the American Indian Movement (AIM) seized a town on the Pine Ridge Reservation and engaged in a shootout with federal authorities that lasted months. More recently FBI Agents were involved in the investigation and successful prosecution of three Minneapolis City Council members on charges related to corruption.
FBI Jobs Found in Minnesota
FBI jobs in Minnesota include not only Special Agents but also a variety of specialized professionals such as paralegals, security experts, and financial analysts. This ensures a healthy mix of talents and experiences that together create a stronger FBI presence in Minnesota. FBI professionals work to develop and gather evidence that will be presentable in a court of law. This is done through surveillance, undercover operations, the development of informants, and crime scene management. FBI jobs in Minnesota Special Agent positions include:
Evidence Response Teams: The Minneapolis Division has two ERTs totaling 16 agents. These teams are deployed to crime scenes to secure all available evidence, be it DNA, bullet trajectory paths, blood analysis, or to take photographs. ERTs work in close collaboration with the FBI laboratory. ERT Agents from the Minneapolis Division assisted in the analysis of the September 11th and anthrax attacks.
Computer Analysis and Response Team: This team is responsible for gathering digital evidence from a variety of electronic devices while ensuring it can be used as evidence during prosecution. CART Agents can be thought of as the forensic agents of the digital world.
Bomb Recovery and Analysis: There are two BRA Agents working in the Minneapolis division. These agents are trained in a variety of methods to disarm any number of explosive devices. The typical BRA assignment involves responding to reports of suspicious packages or devices and providing analysis during bombing investigations.
Hazardous Evidence Response Team: These agents respond to crimes scenes or reports involving chemical, nuclear, or biological threats. They are trained to work in extremely adverse conditions to gather evidence and conduct analysis.
Translators: FBI linguists and translators work in a variety of environments including going under cover, sitting in on interrogations or interviews, and in the office analyzing audio recordings.
Office for Victim Assistance: The FBI’s Minneapolis Division has 12 Victim Specialists who work with people who have suffered or been threatened in relation to a crime committed which has been investigated by the FBI. Victim Specialists deal primarily with incidents occurring on tribal land.
How to Become an FBI Agent in Minnesota
The FBI requirements in Minnesota for job seekers are stringent and selective. Careers as Special Agents are very demanding with strict entry guidelines. All candidates must be able to pass a thorough background investigation and meet certain physical requirements. Additionally, a career with the FBI requires that candidates first meet these basic parameters:
- U.S. citizen
- Between the ages of 23-36
- Possess a four-year degree from an accredited college
- Have at least two years of professional experience
- Possess a valid driver’s license