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The FBI in a letter this month underscored the value of locating its planned suburban headquarters close to existing Virginia facilities as a decision nears in an at-times acrimonious, decade-long fight between the commonwealth and Maryland to lure the agency.
“Distances matter when surging to a command post,” the bureau stated in response to questions that Maryland leaders lodged with the federal government in March. “From a time-savings and environmental perspective, it is meaningfully important to limit the need for the FBI workforce to spend several hours in a car commuting back and forth between locations.”
The document, obtained by The Washington Post and first reported by WUSA9, illuminates the agency’s justification for a heavily weighted criteria that Maryland’s congressional delegation has sought to challenge since the calculus of the federal agency that will select the site made public its grading rubric last year.
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When the U.S. General Services Administration graded proximity to Quantico, Va., as its top priority, Maryland leaders challenged the agency to consider President Biden’s own promises to use federal resources to promote equity, which ranked fourth of five factors in the FBI HQ analysis.
The apparent proof that the FBI prefers Virginia — long suspected by those close to the process — prompted Maryland leaders to attack Virginia Republicans who have been critical of the FBI and Department of Justice inquiries into former president Donald Trump.
In response to Maryland leaders’ skepticism that proximity should be the most important consideration, the FBI provided an analysis of more than 1,700 badge swipes at the Quantico gate over nearly two months ending last September. The agency also offered context about what brings people to the facility, and detailed how people based there work across its other sites — including the J. Edgar Hoover building in downtown D.C., which a new suburban headquarters that would house at least 7,500 employees will replace.
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Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) told reporters in Baltimore on Thursday morning that “of the two jurisdictions, only one — Maryland — actually has a chief executive who has gone on the record and says he believes in the mission of the FBI.”
Moore reiterated his position that the Maryland sites have the best transportation assets, cost, and racial equity opportunities, and can most quickly deliver the $2 billion project. But he also questioned whether Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) — who in the past declined to denounce Republican efforts to strip funding for the FBI headquarters — supports the institution.
“I just don’t see how this is even a close contest,” Moore said, according to a recording of the remarks obtained by The Washington Post. “The FBI building should be in the state of Maryland, and I think that Virginia is not only going to have to fight on the merits, but I think their chief executive doesn’t even believe in the funding of the FBI.”
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A spokeswoman for Youngkin seemed to shrug off Moore’s comments, insisting that the benefits of locating in Virginia speak for themselves.
“Virginia is well-positioned to support the FBI headquarters with a diverse workforce, extensive transportation network and close proximity to public and private sector partners,” Youngkin spokeswoman Macaulay Porter said. “Virginia’s competitive advantage is clear, and partisan attacks won’t change that.”
Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.), who has served as something of a field commander for the Maryland delegation, said in a statement that Maryland leaders had seen the agency’s numbers before.
“This response remains inadequate as it simply repackages the same numbers without directly answering our Delegation’s questions about them,” he said, adding that locating the headquarters in Maryland would achieve the Biden-Harris equity objectives and cost less.
The FBI wants to stay in D.C., but Congress has already said goodbye
Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) said the FBI’s emphasis on what would be convenient for some of its workers “misses the point” about what’s best for federal taxpayers and whether it is fair to consolidate resources in a community already overflowing with them.
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“The FBI continues to rehash the same data about a small percentage of its HQ workforce, apparently believing this snapshot overcomes the strength of Maryland’s case for the new, consolidated FBI headquarters,” Cardin said in a statement. “Once again, the FBI misses the point of what equity means for the communities that have been victim to systemic bias. This is a decision that transcends the FBI’s myopic interests, which is why the General Service Administration (GSA) has been tasked with the site selection.”
FBI leaders have expressed a desire to keep the agency’s headquarters in the nation’s capital, where they have quick access to the Department of Justice and stand as a public-facing symbol of law and order. But lawmakers eager to deliver for their constituents are determined to steer the nation’s premier crime-fighting institution to one of their states.
The tension between Maryland and Virginia has fostered a united front among the Maryland delegation, which asserts that relocating to prospective sites in Landover or Greenbelt, Md., in Prince George’s County, would yield generational economic impacts. Virginia leaders’ arguments for the Springfield site have underscored the accessibility of major highways, the FBI’s ownership of land in the area and the proximity to the FBI Academy at Marine Corps Base Quantico.
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Prince George’s County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks (D) said in a statement that Prince George’s County excels in several criteria, such as cost, access to transit and equity.
“Our sites are the best options in terms of cost for the American taxpayer, because they are ready to go now, while the Springfield site will cost hundreds of millions of dollars more,” she said. “Locating the FBI in Prince George’s is also a meaningful way for the Biden administration to advance equity in federal government decisions, consistent with the administration’s executive orders on equity.”
Rep. David Trone (D-Md.) — who is competing with Alsobrooks to succeed the retiring Cardin — directly attacked Virginia Republicans over their past denunciations of the FBI, which range from defending Trump from federal inquiry to Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.) questioning the political motivations of agents.
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“Time after time, Gov. Youngkin and Republican members of Virginia’s federal delegation have called for defunding the FBI, questioned its motives, and scorned its mission,” Trone said in a statement released Thursday afternoon in tandem with a more muted response from Moore.
“We must ask ourselves: Why should the FBI headquarters be moved to a state where it’s unwanted and under threat by the state’s governor and Members of Congress? It’s outrageous and embarrassing,” Trone said. “In Maryland, we will always welcome the FBI and the hard-working Americans defending our country.”
In the document, the FBI said its employees make trips to Quantico to work cases, respond to threats, and to prep employees and partners to serve in a variety of roles. Much of FBI’s training happens at the FBI Academy or on the wider Quantico campus, according to the document.
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“These diverse classes and exercises, hosted by various divisions, are attended by students through all stages of their careers and are frequently led by the headquarters personnel best suited to instruct on the subjects,” the document states. “While these trainings range in duration from a few hours to a few weeks, instructors may only be required for a specific block of instruction. We must ensure that participation in these critical trainings and exercises continues unimpeded by distance if the FBI is to properly train and develop its people.”
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) called the memo “a very important document.”
He said it was particularly significant because “it was prepared by the FBI knowing that it was going to go into the hands of folks in Maryland that didn’t necessarily agree with it, which makes me very impressed that they were [so] blunt and candid about it,” he said, calling the conclusions “common sense.”
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The Biden administration’s criteria for locating the new headquarters put great weight on “mission compatibility,” Kaine said, and that puts a priority on having access to other FBI facilities.
“The Marylanders have tried to rewrite the administration’s criteria for selecting the site,” he said, adding that he and Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) have been “in constant touch” with the White House, urging the administration not to change the criteria for site selection.
“Any change in the criteria would look like it was a political move,” he said.
A decision on where the headquarters will be located is expected this year.
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FAQs
At what point does the FBI get involved? ›
In general, the FBI will become involved in a local law enforcement investigation or prosecution when an alleged offense falls under federal jurisdiction, when a crime is committed on federal property, when local law enforcement agencies request assistance, or when multiple jurisdictions are involved.
What are the current priorities of the FBI? ›The FBI's mission is to uphold the Constitution and protect the American people. The FBI's major priorities are to: Protect the United States from terrorist attack. Protect the U.S. against foreign intelligence, espionage, and cyber operations.
What is the hierarchy of the FBI? ›The FBI is organized into functional branches and the Office of the Director, which contains most administrative offices. An executive assistant director manages each branch. Each branch is then divided into offices and divisions, each headed by an assistant director.
How many FBI agents are there? ›How many people work for the FBI? The FBI employs approximately 35,000 people, including special agents and support professionals such as intelligence analysts, language specialists, scientists, and information technology specialists. Is the FBI a type of national police force? No.
What is the hardest part of the FBI hiring process? ›For many applicants, the FBI special agent physical fitness test (PFT) is, without a doubt, the most challenging part of the process. Our PFT doesn't just test physical fitness. It tests qualities like self-discipline, self-motivation, and the ability to plan and adjust to challenges.
Who is the ideal FBI candidate? ›To apply for this field, you need any four-year degree combined with three years of work experience or a graduate degree and two years of experience. The best candidates for this field are former police officers or people with experience in the field of investigations.
What is the FBI agenda for 2023? ›FY 2023 Budget Overview
The FY 2023 budget request proposes a total of $10.8 billion in direct budget authority to carry out the FBI's national security, intelligence, criminal law enforcement, and criminal justice services missions.
The highest rank in the FBI is the director. The office is filled by presidential appointment, provided the Senate votes to confirm. The FBI director answers to the U.S. attorney general, the director of national intelligence and various congressional committees.
Who has higher authority than FBI? ›Within the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI is responsible to the attorney general, and it reports its findings to U.S. Attorneys across the country. The FBI's intelligence activities are overseen by the Director of National Intelligence.
What agency is higher than the FBI? ›The Center of Intelligence." Unlike the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which is a domestic security service, the CIA has no law enforcement function and is mainly focused on overseas intelligence gathering, with only limited domestic intelligence collection.
What position in the FBI makes the most money? ›
- Special agent. National average salary : $74,983 per year. ...
- Forensic accountant. National average salary: $78,030 per year. ...
- Mechanical engineer. National average salary: $80,245 per year. ...
- Business analyst. ...
- Attorney. ...
- Software engineer. ...
- Electronics engineer. ...
- Mathematician.
As in the American flag, the red bars exceed the white by one. The motto, “ Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity,” succinctly describes the motivating force behind the men and women of the FBI (see below).
Can FBI track your phone? ›In the United States, the government pays phone companies directly to record and collect cellular communications from specified individuals. U.S. law enforcement agencies can also legally track the movements of people from their mobile phone signals upon obtaining a court order to do so.
How many female FBI agents are there? ›Breakdown of FBI employees by role and gender U.S. 2019
In 2019, the FBI employed 13,998 female professional staff members and 10,105 male professional staff members. This is compared to 2,726 female special agents and 10,900 male special agents.
Automatic Disqualifiers From Becoming an FBI Agent
Committed knowing or willful acts or activities intended to overthrow the United States government by force. Defaulted on a United States government-backed student loan. Violated the FBI's drug policy. Failed a urinalysis drug test administered by the FBI.
What is the age requirement for applying? FBI special agents have a mandatory retirement age of 57. In order to achieve the required 20 years of service for retirement, special agents must enter on duty no later than the day before their 37th birthday.
How old are most FBI recruits? ›Don't assume that becoming an FBI agent is a young person's game: the average age of special agents is 43. Many of the recruits are indeed young and hoping to make the FBI their career. Others are older Americans launching a second career after some years in the military, law enforcement or criminal justice.
What percent of applicants does the FBI accept? ›How Does the FBI Hire Agents? The FBI accepts fewer than 20% of applicants, making jobs within the bureau highly competitive. Applicants typically begin their candidacy through one of the FBI's various entry programs, all of which are tailored to specific FBI career tracks.
What does the B stand for in FBI? ›The FBI stands for Federal Bureau of Investigation. “Federal” refers to the national government of the United States. “Bureau” is another word for department or division of government.
What is the future outlook of an FBI agent? ›Projected Job Growth
There are around 35,000 FBI agents currently employed in the US. According to the US Beau of Labor Statistics, the number is expected to grow by 5% from 2019 to 2029 which is faster than the average for all the other jobs.
Does FBI have 20 year retirement? ›
An FBI agent can retire with a full pension. after 20 years of service and reaching age 50.
Is FBI stressful? ›For many people, a career as an FBI agent is a calling, and the work demands long, irregular hours, frequent travel, and the ability to handle intense stress. People who deem themselves patriotic and enjoy a job where no two days are alike are usually drawn to working as FBI agents.
Who is the #1 most wanted by the FBI? ›- KHALID AHMED SATARY.
- NAKHLE NADER.
- ISMAIL SHALASH.
- JORGE ROBERTO MONTANO PELLEGRINI.
- CHRISTOPHER W. BURNS.
- VANESSA O'ROURKE.
- MYKALAI KONTILAI.
- VINCENT EUGENE TOMERA.
Have and maintain a 2.95 cumulative GPA or better on a 4.0 scale at the time of application and through graduation. Not be a current, permanent FBI employee. Pass all of the FBI employment background investigation requirements and be able to receive a Top Secret Clearance.
What is the highest special agent? ›Special Agent in Charge: The highest ranking criminal investigator in each region is the Special Agent in Charge (SAC or SAIC).
What is a code 5 in the FBI? ›Code 4 No further assistance is needed. Code 5 Stakeout. Code 6 Responding from a long distance. Code 7 Mealtime.
Can FBI agents tell their families? ›In addition, as an FBI agent, you're unable to share information with those who don't have clearance. This means, for example, that when you're in the FBI you can't discuss the details of a case with your spouse or family.
What are the four major property crimes according to the FBI? ›Definition. In the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, property crime includes the offenses of burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The object of the theft-type offenses is the taking of money or property, but there is no force or threat of force against the victims.
What kind of cases does FBI investigate? ›The FBI has divided its investigations into a number of programs, such as domestic and international terrorism, foreign counterintelligence, cyber crime, public corruption, civil rights, organized crime/drugs, white-collar crime, violent crimes and major offenders, and applicant matters.
What crimes do the FBI investigate? ›The FBI, the lead agency for enforcing civil rights law, aggressively investigates hate crime, color of law abuses by public officials, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, and freedom of access to clinic entrances violations.
Why would the FBI come to your house? ›
Police officers or federal agents from the FBI can knock on your door, unannounced, at any time. They may or may not have a search or arrest warrant in hand. They could be there to search your home, make an arrest, or simply chat with you.
How does an FBI investigation start? ›In most cases, a federal investigation is triggered by the filing of a credible crime report. Sometimes, it may also commence as a result of information law enforcement agents receive from defendants in pending criminal cases who are hoping to receive leniency (i.e., cooperators).
How long can the FBI investigate you? ›A Federal investigation can last upwards of 5 years due to most Federal Statute of Limitations prohibiting the Government from charging or indicting someone after that time period. Typically, Federal investigations take no longer than one – two (1-2) years.
How do you know if the feds are investigating you? ›- Receiving a Target Letter. ...
- Federal investigators Showing Up at Your Home or Work. ...
- Having Your Phone Calls Monitored. ...
- Unusual Activity from Financial Institutions. ...
- Unexplained Grand Jury Subpoenas for Documents, Emails, or Other Records.
- Draft a letter requesting verification of FBI employment, which includes: ...
- You will need to send a completed Form DOJ-361 with the letter. ...
- Fax the form and the letter to (202) 324-5910.
- If you have questions concerning this, call (202) 324-3333.
OPR investigates allegations of misconduct at all levels of the Department. Many of OPR's investigations involve complex legal and ethical issues involving criminal prosecutions, national security matters, civil litigation, and other areas of the law handled by the Department.
How does the FBI tap your phone? ›If a federal agency like the FBI or DEA wants to tap a phone it has to apply for a wiretap. A wiretap is a term that explains what the agency intends to do. Before wireless communications, agents would physical cut into a wire or “tap” the wire that carried a conversation from one phone to another.
Do I have to answer FBI questions? ›What to do if the FBI or police contact you for questioning. If you are contacted by the FBI or police, you should be aware of your rights: You have a right to talk to an attorney and generally are not required to answer FBI or police questions (except, e.g., if you are asked for identification while driving a vehicle) ...
Does the FBI monitor your phone? ›No not without a search warrant for the phone or a court order to live intercept (a “wiretap”). A search warrant is relatively easy, we need probable cause they you committed a specific offense AND the phone was utilized.
How long does it take to get a response from the FBI? ›An FBI background check can take 12 to 14 weeks, or less than a week. The first time frame is if you submit your application directly to the FBI. The second is if you go through a "channeler," one of the private firms the FBI contracts with to collect and submit fingerprints for background checks.
Can FBI agents carry guns anywhere? ›
Agents carry Bureau-issued or approved handguns and may be issued additional equipment as needed. Those in specialized areas like the Hostage Rescue Teams may also be issued weapons that fit their duties. Agents are allowed to carry personal weapons, provided they do not violate the policies regarding firearms.
How long does the FBI process take? ›Timeframe: The average background investigation takes approximately six months, but can take up to 18 months or more depending on where an applicant has lived, worked and traveled. Once you receive a CAO, you will need to complete a background investigation to obtain a Top-Secret SCI Clearance.