Fbi's Jurisdiction: Enforcing Local Laws?

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a federal law enforcement agency that investigates and enforces federal laws. The FBI does not enforce local laws, but it often works with local and state law enforcement agencies to investigate and solve crimes. The FBI has a wide range of investigative tools and resources, and its involvement in a case means that the resources and expertise of the federal government are being used to help find and prosecute the accused. The FBI can provide support to local law enforcement agencies in the form of technical assistance, forensic analysis, and other resources.

FBI assists local law enforcement with technical assistance, forensic analysis, and other resources

The FBI does not enforce local laws, but it does assist local law enforcement agencies with their investigations. State and local law enforcement agencies are not subordinate to the FBI, and the FBI does not supervise or take over their investigations. Instead, the FBI and state and local agencies often pool their investigative resources to solve cases. Task forces composed of FBI agents and state and local officers are formed to locate fugitives and address serious threats like terrorism and street violence.

The FBI offers various types of technical assistance to local law enforcement. The FBI Laboratory and the National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC) provide forensic analysis services, including the examination of contaminated evidence, biological material identification, and forensic facial imaging. The FBI's scientific and technical photographers can create digital and physical models, computer animations, and interactive reconstructions of crime scenes, as well as provide aerial photography. The FBI also has visual information specialists who use computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling to provide detailed and accurate on-site documentation of crime scenes.

In addition to technical assistance, the FBI offers forensic facial imaging services to local law enforcement partners. Forensic artists provide composite sketching, both in-person and virtually, and digital image modification to create investigative leads in active and cold case investigations. They also provide postmortem imaging, creating a likeness of a deceased individual digitally or by hand. These services are available to federal, state, local, and international partners.

The FBI also provides training opportunities for local law enforcement officers, including the FBI National Academy and the Field Police Training Program. The CIRG (Criminal Investigative and Response Group) offers expert assistance in specific areas, such as crisis management, hostage negotiation, and criminal investigative analysis.

FBI agents work with state and local law enforcement officers on task forces

FBI agents work closely with state and local law enforcement officers on task forces to address specific crime problems and national security threats. These task forces are formed to investigate and solve cases, often involving fugitives, terrorism, street violence, and other serious threats. While the FBI does not have supervisory authority over local law enforcement agencies, they collaborate by pooling their investigative resources and expertise.

Task forces typically focus on addressing issues such as terrorism, organized crime, narcotics, gangs, bank robberies, kidnapping, and motor vehicle theft. The collaboration between FBI agents and local law enforcement officers brings together federal authority and local expertise, knowledge of criminal activity, and community relationships. This combination of resources and knowledge helps navigate jurisdictional challenges and effectively address crimes that may fall under concurrent jurisdiction, involving local, state, and federal violations.

An example of such collaboration is seen in federal drug task forces, where FBI agents work alongside Task Force Officers (TFOs) from local police departments to combat drug trafficking operations spanning multiple states. TFOs are state, local, or tribal law enforcement officers who are temporarily assigned to work with federal agencies, allowing them to operate under federal authority during their assignment. They bring valuable insights and connections to local resources, aiding federal agents in their investigations.

The FBI also works closely with the Director of National Intelligence and other U.S. intelligence agencies to gather and analyze intelligence on terrorism and other security threats. This collaboration ensures a coordinated effort to protect national security and address broad crime problems. The pooling of resources and information-sharing between FBI agents and local law enforcement officers on task forces is a powerful tool in the fight against crime and the protection of public safety.

FBI investigates federal crimes and threats to national security

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a national security organization with both intelligence and law enforcement responsibilities. It works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to address broad crime problems and national security threats. The FBI has a range of legal authorities that enable it to investigate federal crimes and threats to national security.

The FBI's investigative priorities include counterterrorism, cyberattacks, and intelligence activities such as espionage. They also investigate criminal cases that violate US laws intended to protect the environment, human health, worker safety, and animal welfare. The FBI is dedicated to eliminating transnational organized crime groups that threaten national and economic security. They play a key role in combating violent crimes, including gangs, crimes against children, kidnappings, and bank robberies.

In certain circumstances, the FBI has special investigative jurisdiction to address violations of state law. This includes felony killings of law enforcement officers, violent crimes against interstate travelers, and serial killers. The FBI will only investigate these matters upon the request of an appropriate state official.

The FBI also provides training and assistance to local law enforcement officers. They offer programs such as the FBI National Academy and the Field Police Training Program. The FBI Laboratory conducts scientific examinations of evidence for any federal, state, or local law enforcement organization in the US, free of charge.

FBI special agents may use deadly force when reasonable belief of imminent danger

The FBI is a national security organization that works closely with many partners across the US and the globe to tackle the most serious security threats facing the nation. It is one of many federal agencies with law enforcement responsibilities.

The FBI does not have authority over state and local law enforcement agencies, nor does it supervise or take over their investigations. Instead, the FBI and state and local agencies often pool their investigative resources to solve cases. Task forces composed of FBI agents and state and local officers are formed to locate fugitives and address serious threats like terrorism and street violence.

FBI special agents are permitted to use deadly force only when necessary. This means when the agent reasonably believes that the subject of such force poses an imminent danger of death or serious physical injury to themselves or another person. If possible, a verbal warning to submit to the authority of the special agent is given before deadly force is used.

FBI agents carry Bureau-issued or approved handguns and may be issued additional equipment as needed. They are trained in the latest developments in the intelligence and law enforcement communities through training opportunities at the FBI Academy and elsewhere. This includes training in alternative methods and tactics for handling resisting subjects, which must be used when feasible.

FBI investigates violations of state law in limited circumstances

The FBI has a broad range of legal authorities that enable it to investigate federal crimes, gather intelligence, and assist other law enforcement agencies. Notably, the FBI does not have authority over state and local law enforcement agencies, and it does not take over their investigations. Instead, the FBI often collaborates with state and local agencies by pooling resources and forming task forces to address serious threats and locate fugitives.

In limited circumstances, the FBI does have special investigative jurisdiction to investigate violations of state law. This jurisdiction is outlined in several congressional statutes and is specifically granted in cases of felony killings of state law enforcement officers (28 U.S.C. § 540), violent crimes against interstate travelers (28 U.S.C. § 540A), and serial killers (28 U.S.C. §540B). The FBI's involvement in these types of cases requires a formal request from an appropriate state official.

The FBI is also the primary federal agency responsible for investigating possible violations of federal civil rights statutes. These laws are designed to protect the civil rights of all individuals within the United States, both citizens and non-citizens. The FBI takes a leading role in investigating color of law violations, which include acts carried out by government officials who abuse their authority to deprive individuals of their constitutional rights.

Additionally, the FBI offers various training programs for local law enforcement officers, such as the FBI National Academy and the Field Police Training Program. The FBI also provides expert assistance in specific types of cases, including child abduction, crisis management, hostage negotiation, and criminal investigative analysis.

Frequently asked questions