FBIs

FBIs is an informal plural form that may be used to refer to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) when discussing multiple offices, operations, or units within the agency. The FBI is a United States federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Justice, responsible for investigating federal crimes and protecting national security. As a centralized national agency, it coordinates investigations that cross state lines and works with other levels of law enforcement.

The agency was established in 1908 as the Bureau of Investigation and was renamed the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1935. It operates under a Director appointed by the President and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. In addition to the main headquarters, the FBI maintains field offices in major cities and more than 200 resident agencies that serve local jurisdictions, enabling nationwide coverage.

FBIs pursue a broad mandate, including counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cybercrime, public corruption, organized crime, white-collar crime, and civil rights investigations. The FBI also engages in forensic science, intelligence analysis, and strategic information gathering to support federal prosecutions and national security efforts. A key feature of its operations is collaboration with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners through mechanisms such as Joint Terrorism Task Forces and Safe Streets Task Forces. The FBI Laboratory and the FBI Academy at Quantico provide forensic services and training for agents and partners.

Oversight of the FBIs is provided by the Department of Justice, with additional accountability through congressional oversight and internal watchdog offices, such as the Office of the Inspector General. The agency has faced scrutiny over surveillance practices and civil liberties considerations, while supporters emphasize its role in preventing crime and protecting national security.