T. White
Special Agent
Dallas Field Office
Prior to joining the FBI, I served as a law enforcement officer with the U.S. Capitol Police for 10 years. I worked as a K9 handler and K9 sergeant before becoming an FBI agent. Since joining the FBI, I have primarily worked organized crime.
What drew you to the FBI?
My introduction into law enforcement came at an early age after hearing various stories from my father about his days working as a military police officer. I grew up wanting to be a doctor, however, and went to college to pursue that career. But I found myself more interested in forensic science and took a few graduate courses to further explore that field. Those courses piqued my interest in the FBI, and even though I wasn’t initially selected to be an agent, I was motivated to work even harder to gain relevant experience and reapply. It took me nearly eight years, but I was determined. I contacted the recruiter at my local field office, resubmitted my application, completed the selection process, and was given a class date to begin new agent training at the FBI Academy in Quantico.
Share the thing you’re most proud of from your FBI career.
Given the diverse backgrounds within the Bureau, it never occurred to me that I could be the first anything in the FBI.
However, after completing Hazardous Devices School and becoming a certified bomb technician, I became the first African-American woman to become a special agent bomb technician for the FBI. While I am honored to have achieved this milestone, I am mindful of my responsibilities to pay it forward.
It shocked me when I heard someone refer to me as a trailblazer. I trust I will continue to fulfill the high standards, values, and expectations that are expected in this responsibility. This achievement is not just for me, but it will hopefully open door for the next generation.
What is the best career or life advice you have to give?
The best advice I ever received was not to worry about failure; worry about the chances you might miss when you do not even try. That advice has guided me through many of the decisions I have made both personally and professionally.
