The jurisdiction of the FBI field office in Buffalo includes five counties in western New York and satellite offices in Elmira, Jamestown and Rochester. Bank robberies and organized crime were the main targets when the Buffalo office first opened in 1925. The focus shifted to terrorism following the attacks of 9/11.
In 2003, Buffalo agents dismantled an al Qaeda cell of six U.S. citizens living in Lackawanna, New York. Today the Buffalo FBI protects citizens from a broad range of national security and criminal threats, including public corruption, cyber crime, child pornography, kidnappings, and bank/copyright/mortgage fraud.
Requirements for an FBI Job in Buffalo
The Buffalo FBI is looking for bright individuals with a desire to fight terrorism and crime to become special agents or professional specialists like intelligence analysts, information technology experts, scientists, engineers, linguists, or administrative managers. Buffalo residents can apply online or in person at One FBI Plaza in Buffalo. Walk-in hours are 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-F.
Basic FBI requirements for special agents jobs are as follows:
- Citizen of the U.S.
- Between 23 and 36 years of age
- Graduate of an accredited four-year college/university
- Two or more years professional experience
FBI Career Opportunities in Buffalo
The Buffalo field office is comprised of both special agents and professional specialists. Special capabilities include:
- Evidence Recovery. Buffalo has three eight-member evidence response teams of special agents and other professionals who gather and process physical evidence at crime scenes.
- Computer Analysis & Response. The three-member team of forensics experts retrieves and analyzes evidence from computers and other digital devices.
- Tactical Support & Crisis Response. Buffalo has a highly trained and equipped Specialized Weapons & Tactics (SWAT) team.
- Bomb Team. Bomb experts often work with local first responders.
- HAZMAT. Responds to incidents involving hazardous materials.
- Translators. Team members are proficient in a wide variety of languages.
- Victim Assistants. Keeps victims apprised of the case and refers as needed to victim compensation programs, rape crisis centers, homicide bereavement support groups and mental health counselors, etc..
FBI Achievements and Partnerships in Buffalo
The Buffalo FBI field office has an extensive outreach program devoted to building relationships in the community in order to reduce criminal and terrorist incidents. These efforts include:
- SOS Internet Challenge – an educational online program, revamped in October, 2013, for third through eighth grade. Promotes “cyber citizenship” and teaches how to recognize and respond to online dangers.
- Citizen Academy – Offers community leaders an inside view of the FBI.
- Speakers – a special cadre serves as public speakers at community organizations.
- Joint Terrorism Task Force – includes representatives of 18 local, state and federal agencies working together to prevent terrorist attacks.
- Western New York Health Care Fraud Task Force – The FBI works with private insurers and other law enforcement agencies to prevent health care fraud.
- Buffalo’s Safe Streets Task Force – a multi-agency effort to combat such criminal enterprises as violent street gangs.