The Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) facilitates the FBI's rapid response to, and the management of, crisis incidents. These incidents include hostage situations handled by the Hostage Rescue Team, and terrorist activities handled by other units from CIRG. In addition, CIRG aids local law enforcement in solving cold cases, serial murder investigations, and crimes against children.

Join Special Agent Chris Whitcomb as he discusses the various responsibilities of CIRG.

NOTE: Per the FBI's request, please DO NOT use this forum to post crime leads or solicitations to investigate matters. If you have an emergency, please contact the nearest FBI office or, if outside the United States, contact the nearest Legal Attachι office.

A transcript follows.

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washingtonpost.com: Thanks for your patience. Special Agent Chris Whitcomb will be with you shortly.

New York: Special Agent Chris Whitcomb,

Is the CIRG stationed at the FBI Headquarters in Washington? How long did it take you to get into the FBI?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: No. CIRG has an office complex near Quantico, VA.

It took me a little more than a year to get into the Bureau. Once a candidate is accepted, they go to the Academy in Quantico for 16-weeks of training. After that, they are assigned to any of the FBI's 56 field offices throughout the United States.

Philadelphia, PA.: I am waiting for my start date at Quantico and am wondering how to go about becoming involved with CIRG once I have been assigned to a field office.

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: Congratulations!

Once you finish training and get your first assignment, you can count on several years in the "field" before moving back to CIRG. Most people here have already worked investigations for five or more years before they even apply.

CIRG specializes in crisis resolution, and most positions, here, require considerable experience.

USA: Is most of your work done from the office or are you in the field most of the time?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: Most of us split our time between the office and the field. Because CIRG responds to crises, we never know precisely when to expect the next trip. Things like training, field exercises, case consultations, etc... require lots of travel, but we also have plenty to do in Quantico.

Philadelphia, Pa: Are your investigative responsibilities decreased based on your involvement with CIRG?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: Yes. CIRG doesn't really conduct investigations. We assist other investigators with their own work.

CIRG offers assistance, consultation and operational resources to local, state and federal agencies around the world. In the past year, for example, we have helped with cases ranging from the USS Cole bombing in Yemen to a prison riot in rural Louisiana to serial murder investigations in the Midwest.

Bowie, Maryland: Regarding VICAP, can cases without an identified offender be entered into the system? If not, why?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: Yes.

Part of ViCAP's mission is to help identify unknown offenders. Our analysts work hard to link crimes with possible subjects. This is a tremendous resource to investigators who may have no other link to police agencies in other parts of the country.

New York, New York: While you were in college, did you know that you wanted to work for the FBI in particular the CIRG or did you decide this later on?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: I decided after college to pursue a career in the FBI.

Most FBI agents work in the private sector for several years before joining. I believe that the average age of a new agent is 28.

I worked as an English teacher, newspaper reporter and Capitol Hill speech writer before joining the Bureau in 1987. They sent me to Kansas City, where I worked bank robbery and fugitive investigations for five years. In 1991, I went to the Hostage Rescue Team, then to the FBI Academy, then back to CIRG. That may sound like a long process, but I think it is fairly typical.

Fairfax, Va.: Hello Mr. Whitcomb,
I'm a 29 year old female, with no previous experience in the law enforcement field. However, I've always been very interested in the FBI. What do you think my chances are of being hired by the FBI, and what type of work is there for someone like me?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: I think your chances are probably quite good. I had no law enforcement experience when I joined at age 27. The rest has been a wonderful adventure.

Also, agent positions are just part of the FBI job spectrum. We have a vast array of other opportunities, like computer specialists, investigative analysts, evidence technicians, electronics technicians, etc...

We have all kinds of opportunities. Take a look at FBI.gov for further details.

Boston, MA: Is there any chance Donald Webb will be caught?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: Absolutely.

One thing I can say about FBI fugitives: we never give up on them. I once arrested a fugitive who had evaded us for more than seven years. When we finally caught up with him, he couldn't believe we were still looking.

Gurnee, Illinois: What are the requirements in becoming a FBI agent? I'm interested in becoming one and I heard that you can become one if you have been in the military or gone to training school.

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: The Special Agent position requires a degree from a four-year accredited university, U.S. citizenship, minimum 23 years of age and at least three years of work experience.

Military service helps, but is not mandatory. All agents are trained at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA.

Again, please check employment opportunities at FBI.gov.

VA: Are you responsible for anything that involves U.S. citizens overseas too?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: Yes. The FBI has expanded considerably in recent years to cover crimes against U.S. citizenship virtually anywhere they occur. We currently staff Legal Attache Offices in 35 cities around the world.

VA: How long must you wait before applying to the HRT team? What are the physical standards? Thank you.

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: Any FBI agent with three years of field experience can apply to the HRT. I waited five before trying out.

All candidates attend a two-week selection process, which is held once each year back at Quantico. The Team holds all operators to very high physical standards, and Selection is absolutely gruelling.

USA: I understand that it is recommended that you should be able to speak a second language when applying. Is it necessary or will it not matter?

thank-you

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: A second language is not mandatory, but it sure helps. Thousands of people apply to the FBI for relatively few slots, so any advanced degree, job skill or language ability is bound to make your application stronger.

State College PA: What do you like best about your job, besides catching bad guys?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: It may sound corny, but this is a life style as much as it is a job. I have always felt very proud of the ideals the FBI stands for in America. Putting bad guys in jail is the end result of countless hours on the part of thousands of employees who really believe in what they are doing.

Also, much of what we do focuses on prevention. We certainly want to bring criminals to justice, but we also want to prevent crime whenever possible.

Philadelphia, Pa.: Do you go through continuous physical training for your duties with CIRG, or are you responsible for staying in shape on your own?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: It depends on your job. Most employees train on their own, but jobs like the Hostage Rescue Team require an elevated fitness level. The Bureau sponsors a physical fitness program, but it is voluntary.

Philadelphia, Pa.: How long have you been with the FBI, specifically CIRG? What is the most "high-profile" case you have been involved with?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: I have been an agent for almost 15 years, and part of CIRG since its inception in 1994. During my career, I have been fortunate to work all kinds of cases from the Olympic Park bombings to the Ruby Ridge and Waco investigations to the Cole bombing in Yemen.

DC: Does CIRG work with FEMA in any capacity?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: Yes. The FBI has a lead investigative role in large scale law enforcement crises. FEMA oversees consequence management. Simply put, the FBI handles the criminal investigations while FEMA coordinates everything from medical response to evacuation. We work very closely and very well in a number of different situations.

New York: Hi:
In you job with the CIRG, you said before that it allows you the opportunity to travel a lot. Do you travel mostly within the U.S. or to other countries?
thanks

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: Both. In my 15 years, I have been fortunate to travel in all but two of the United States (Hawaii, Alaska), and 22 foreign countries. Great opportunities, here.

Washington DC: Does a Presidential Management Internship count as work experience when applying to the FBI?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: I think so. Any work experience applies.

Brunswick, GA: Do law enforcement officers from other agencies make up the Critical Incident Response Group and where can I obtain more information to participate?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: We have a few officers from other agencies, but CIRG is primarily an FBI entity. Please check the CIRG webpage under "Programs and Initiatives" @ FBI.gov.

Washington, DC: What does CIRG do when the power goes in California? Do planned, rolling blackouts decrease CIRG's ability to respond in the event of a terrorist attack (while publicizing the opportunity an opportunity for an attack)? Do the local FBI field offices and registries have backup power generators?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: CIRG can respond to any crisis with everything it needs to remain self-sufficient for an indefinite period of time. We went to Kosovo, for example, with everything we needed to sustain 65 investigators for five weeks. That included food, fuel, electricity and communications equipment.

Power shortages in California do not directly impact CIRG or its mission.

Minneapolis, MN: I imagine CIRG positions are highly competitive within the FBI. Typically how many Agents vs. slots available apply every year?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: Yes. Each job varies, but applicants count on considerable competition. The FBI has a large number of very talented people and no shortage of ambition. CIRG is just one of many rewarding career paths in the Bureau, but it seems pretty popular.

Maryland: Where does the CART team fit into the Group and what is their role?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: The CART team works out of FBI Headquarters in Washington. CIRG does not deal directly with them.

Canada: Hi:
What sort of education did you receive prior to you career with the FBI?

Lindsey

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: I have a BA in English and an MS in Adult Education. Everyone has different levels of education, depending on their experiences and job assignments. People I work with have high school diplomas, and PhDs.

Ellicotville, NY: Was the critical response team present at the Waco Texas incident and how different is your job in relation to the special agent position? Does it require more time, training, education etc. Thank you.

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: No. CIRG wasn't formed until April, 1994.

Because CIRG employees don't really conduct investigations, the day-to-day job is different from "street agents." The bottom line, however, is that we're all working toward the same goal: saving lives, preventing crime and putting bad guys in jail.

Lots of specialty training.

USA: If you were to complete three years work as part of the FBI support staff, would this increase your chances of getting a special agent position?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: Not really. You still have to meet the same requirements and pass all steps in the application process. I know that many support employees move to agent jobs, but many find non-agent jobs just as rewarding.

Washington DC: Would you ever consider UN Civilian Police duty in places like Kosovo or East Timor?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: I found my work in Kosovo very rewarding because the people there appreciated our efforts so much. The FBI obviously doesn't do civilian police work overseas, but some day I would definitely consider volunteer or consulting work in another country.

Arlington, Virginia: Some of the groups that make up the CIRG seem to be very similar in their duties. How does the FBI tell who does what?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: The FBI has experts in many different fields. CIRG concentrates on crisis management and resolution.

FBI Headquarters keeps close tabs on who does what.

Oak Brook, IL: You said before working for the FBI is a "Lifestyle". Can you give us an idea of what you mean?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: Most people put their jobs down at the end of the day. FBI employees live theirs around the clock.

I don't think I have ever gone into the office or walked onto a plane and thought I was "going to work." It is part of my life. People join this organization because they want to give something to society, and that seldom revolves around a time clock or a pay check. It gets in your blood.

Somewhere, USA: Are there anyways to get involved in law enforcement at a younger age. I know that you cannot apply for the FBI until 23 but what other opportunities are avaliable?
thank you

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: Sure. Lots of law enforcement agencies accept applicants younger than 23. We also have college interns who come here younger than 23, then apply for full-time employment.

Maryland: hi
On the FBI.gov website, under salary, they simply state that you start at a GS-13 salary. I don't remember if it was exactly GS-13, but how much is that. Are you better paid in the CIRG than when you started? Do you have better benifits, etc.

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: Agents start as GS-10s and move up to GS-13 after five years. Most agents compete for GS-14s (supervisory level) when they come to CIRG, but there are no other salary incentives.

Support staff positions cover all levels of the GS scale.

Washington DC: Do you know any FBI Special Agents who have volunteered for UN Civilian Police Duty in Kosovo or East Timor?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: No.

Atlanta, GA: Good afternoon,
Given your 15 years experience with the FBI, what would you say are the greatest sacrifices you must make for the job, relative to a 'typical' 9-5 job?

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: It can be a dangerous occupation. All agents carry firearms and sometimes find themselves in life or death situations. That carries the potential for ultimate sacrifice.

For the most part, I think the majority of FBI employees find much more benefit than sacrifice.

Special Agent Chris Whitcomb: I'm sorry that our time has expired. I really enjoyed your questions. Please check out the FBI web site @ FBI.gov for additional information on job requirements, investigative initiatives and programs.

Thanks, again, and good afternoon.

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