The FBI uses intelligence to drive its decision-making. The information we get through intelligence gathering and sharing guides us in our mission to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution.

The FBI’s Intelligence Branch (IB) supports intelligence operations across our field offices and Headquarters divisions by managing our intelligence strategy, resources, policies, and programs. The IB also engages with the FBI’s partners in the intelligence, law enforcement, private sector, and academic communities.

Gathering Intelligence

Gathering intelligence has always been critical to fulfilling the FBI’s mission. Some techniques we use to do this include interviews, wiretaps, and data analysis.

While the need for intelligence hasn’t changed, the threats confronting the country have evolved—and we’re constantly adapting to combat the threats we’re facing at home and abroad.

Protecting Privacy and Civil Liberties

Regardless of the intelligence-gathering technique, the FBI follows all laws, policies, and procedures designed to protect the privacy of the American people.

Intelligence collection is governed by:

• The attorney general’s guidelines
• Procedures for national security investigations and foreign intelligence collection
• The U.S. Constitution
• Federal law
• Established criminal procedures
• Authorities controlled by U.S. courts.

Intelligence Workforce

The FBI's intelligence workforce includes:

• Special agents
• Intelligence analysts
• Language analysts
• Staff operations specialists
• Data scientists and analysts
  
• Professional staff

To learn more about intelligence careers in the FBI, visit fbijobs.gov.