Resources for Researchers

Crime Statistics

We regularly publish a series of statistical crime reports and publications, detailing specific offenses and outlining trends that can help you better understand crime threats both nationally and locally.

Visit our Crime Statistics webpage for details.

FBI Records/Freedom of Information Act

Our FBI Records/Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) website is a gateway to FBI records on cases, people, and organizations that can be found or requested online.

• Read an overview of how to request records
• Browse the Vault, our Electronic FOIA library
• File an FOIA request
• Request records on yourself (pdf)
• Find FBI Records at the National Archives

For Students

Doing a paper on the FBI or looking for specific information about us?

• We suggest you start with our Today’s FBI publication and our About Us webpage for an overview of the FBI.
• Visit the Teen and Kids’ Page for age-appropriate games and information.
• If you need material on a specific subject, try What We Investigate.
• See our Reports & Publications webpage for in-depth information on terrorism and other subjects.

Other Research Sources

• Our Counterterrorism webpage has details on our efforts to stop terrorism.
• Interested in the work of the FBI Lab? See our Laboratory Division webpage.
• Our FBI History webpage has details on historic cases and events, past Directors, and more, as well as academic essays on various topics.
• Request fingerprint records by visiting this webpage. And see our overview of fingerprints and how we take them.
• Our Press Room has national and local press releases on many major cases, speeches, testimony, top stories, FBI radio shows, videos, and more.