The FBI is the nations leading federal domestic law enforcement agency. With over 36,000 employees, the FBI is active in all 50 states as well as a number of U.S. embassies abroad. There are about 14,000 special agents who work with more than 22,000 support professionals in 56 field offices and an additional 380 satellite offices located regionally throughout the country.
In 2012, the FBI’s budget increased by an additional $119.2 million, to approximately $8.1 billion. Since its inception in 1908 the FBI has endeavored to live up to its motto: “Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity.”
FBI Jobs in Montana: Locations and Famous Cases
FBI jobs in Montana are found in nine FBI satellite bureaus, also known as resident agencies, located throughout the state. The regional headquarters in Butte was closed in 1989 and moved to Salt Lake City where it remains to this day.
Two prominent FBI cases occurred in Montana:
- In 1996 FBI Agents were involved in a standoff with the Christian Patriot group known as the Montana Freemen that lasted 81 days and ended peacefully.
- In the same year FBI Agents involved in a nationwide manhunt for the Unabomber connected the dots to make an arrest of the man in a remote cabin in Montana.
How to Become an FBI Agent in Montana
The FBI requirements in Montana to become an agent are strict and selective. Currently applications are being accepted from select professional career fields and for Special Agents, who specialize in a variety of disciplines. The process of becoming an FBI Agent in Montana involves the successful completion of an application, which include the following requirements:
- U.S. citizen
- Between the ages of 23-36 with exceptions for those with military careers
- 4-year university degree from an accredited institution
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Have two years of professional work experience
- Pass an FBI background investigation
- Meet certain physical requirements
- Pass a drug test
- Have not defaulted on federally-backed student loans
- Have no felony convictions
Among those who meet these qualifications, the top candidates will be chosen to begin a series of testing. Following the successful completion of two phases of tests, the applicant will receive a conditional letter of employment, and after medical and background tests are confirmed to be positive the prospect agent will commence with training.
Montana’s FBI Special Agents in Various Roles
There are a variety of Special Agent teams and units prepared for deployment on a moment’s notice in Montana. These include:
Evidence Response Team: These agents are specially trained in the art of gathering evidence at a crime scene, be it taking photographs or DNA samples, conduction blood analysis, determining bullet trajectories, or collecting the smallest pieces of physical evidence.
Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory: Agents in Montana have access to the RCFL, which provides the latest technological advances to conduct electronic forensic examinations. Agents use the RCFL to produce electronic evidence that will stand in a court of law.
Specialized Weapons and Tactics Teams: Better know as a SWAT Team, these agents use their extensive weapons training with shotguns, assault, and sniper rifles to breech virtually any facility. This includes a Hostage Rescue Team with training in the location and liberation of people in a hostage situation.
Hazardous Materials Team: In the event of a biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear attack, these HAZMAT agents are prepared to gather evidence and work in extremely difficult environments.
Bomb Recovery and Analysis: There are four agents assigned to Montana’s sector that specialize in the disarmament and analysis of explosive devices. These agents work in close cooperation with state and local officials, as well as with Joint Terrorism Task Forces.