The purpose and goals of the FBI are to uphold the law through the investigation of violations of federal criminal law. Also, to protect the United States from foreign intelligence and terrorist activities, and provide leadership and law enforcement assistance to federal, state, local, and international agencies. All of these responsibilities need to be done in a manner that is responsive to the needs of the public and is faithful to the Constitution of the United States. The FBI's investigative authority is the broadest of all federal law enforcement agencies. Therefore, the FBI has adopted an investigative approach that stresses long-term, complex investigations.The FBI's investigative philosophy emphasizes close relations and information sharing with other federal, state, local, and international law enforcement and intelligence agencies. A significant number of FBI investigations are conducted in concert with other law enforcement agencies or as part of joint task forces.The FBI has a number of investigative programs that a case can be opened under. They investigate such things as background, civil rights, domestic terrorism, national foreign intelligence, organized crime and drug cases, and also violent crimes and white-collar crimes. The FBI's Applicant Program manages background investigations on all persons who apply for positions with the Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of Justice, and the FBI. The program also oversees background checks for Presidential Appointees and U.S. Court candidates. Background investigations involve interviewing neighbors and co-workers of applicants and checking criminal and credit records.The FBI's Civil Rights Program investigates violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. The program also oversees police brutality and housing discrimination matters. Most recently, the Civil Rights Program was charged with enforcing th...
