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Quick Facts

Our Mission

As an intelligence-driven and a threat-focused national security organization with both intelligence and law enforcement responsibilities, the mission of the FBI is to protect and defend the United States against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats, to uphold and enforce the criminal laws of the United States, and to provide leadership and criminal justice services to federal, state, municipal, and international agencies and partners.

Our Priorities

The FBI focuses on threats that challenge the foundations of American society or involve dangers too large or complex for any local or state authority to handle alone. In executing the following priorities, we will produce and use intelligence to protect the nation from threats and to bring to justice those who violate the law.

1. Protect the United States from terrorist attack
2. Protect the United States against foreign intelligence operations and espionage
3. Protect the United States against cyber-based attacks and high-technology crimes
4. Combat public corruption at all levels
5. Protect civil rights
6. Combat transnational/national criminal organizations and enterprises
7. Combat major white-collar crime
8. Combat significant violent crime
9. Support federal, state, local and international partners
10. Upgrade technology to successfully perform the FBI’s mission

Our People & Leadership

On September 30, 2012, we had a total of 36,074 employees. That included 13,913 special agents and 22,161 support professionals, such as intelligence analysts, language specialists, scientists, information technology specialists, and other professionals. Learn how you can join us at FBIJobs.gov. For details on our leadership, see the FBI Executives webpage.

Our Locations

We work literally around the globe. Along with our Headquarters in Washington, D.C., we have 56 field offices located in major cities throughout the U.S., approximately 380 smaller offices called resident agencies in cities and towns across the nation, and more than 60 international offices called “legal attachés” in U.S. embassies worldwide.

Our Budget

In fiscal year 2012, our total budget is approximately $8.1 billion, including $119.2 million in program increases to enhance our counterterrorism, computer intrusions, and other programs.

Our History

The FBI was established in 1908. See our History website and How the FBI Got its Name for more details on our evolution and achievements over the years.

Our Motto

“Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity.” Learn about the origins of this motto.

Our Core Values

  • Rigorous obedience to the Constitution of the United States;
  • Respect for the dignity of all those we protect;
  • Compassion;
  • Fairness;
  • Uncompromising personal integrity and institutional integrity;
  • Accountability by accepting responsibility for our actions and decisions and the consequences of our actions and decisions; and
  • Leadership, both personal and professional.

For more information:

- Read a more detailed overview of the FBI.
- Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

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After the Storm
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An FBI SWAT Team helps local law enforcement on the streets of New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
AP Photo.