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About Us—Quick Facts

Our Mission

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

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.


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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

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

Our People
On June 30, 2008, we had a total of 30,847 employees. That includes 12,737 special agents and 18,110 support professionals, such as intelligence analysts, language specialists, scientists, information technology specialists, and other professionals. Learn how you can join us at FBIJobs.gov.

Our Budget & Strategic Plan
In fiscal year 2007, our total budget was approximately $6.04 billion, including $318 million in program increases for our counterterrorism, surveillance, information technology, forensics, training, and information sharing programs. Read our strategic plan in brochure (pdf) or text formats.

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., 400+ resident agencies in smaller cities and towns across the nation, and 60 international offices called “Legal Attaches” in U.S. embassies worldwide.

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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