Enlightement of My Future Career

Early Influences: The Police Academy Camp

At the age of five, I was so unruly that my mom enrolled me in a summer police academy camp for three years. Despite the camp's intention to make my summers monotonous, it turned out to be quite the opposite. While most kids my age dreaded camp, I found it fascinating and engaging. The police academy camp profoundly shaped my life from those early years until now, at the age of nineteen. Everything in the Police Academy Camp captivated me. The officers in this academy took a group of kids, including me, up to the age of twelve, and molded us into a unit akin to how they train real cops. As a unit, we visited the gun range, a police school, a firehouse, the History of Law Enforcement Museum, jail cells, New York for the police museum, and many other exciting places that taught us about law enforcement. This exposure wasn't just about becoming a cop; it included insights into becoming a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agent, an undercover detective, a lawyer, a judge, and other law enforcement roles. Out of these positions, my interest gravitated towards the role of an FBI Agent.

Enlightenment of My Future Career

Now that I am nineteen and studying Criminal Justice in college, I have delved deeper into the path of becoming an FBI Agent and discovered that there are four distinct roles within the FBI. According to William Adkins' article, “The Different Types of FBI Agents,” one role is Intelligence Analysts. These analysts gather, analyze, and evaluate information from various sources, such as people, documents, cyberspace, and electronic surveillance. The decisions made by intelligence analysts significantly influence the outcomes of criminal justice cases. My professor, Margaret Henderson, Ph.D., often emphasizes that evidence is the cornerstone of any case within the system. Without evidence, there is no foundation to convict someone of a crime. Even if the evidence is deemed false, intelligence analysts must demonstrate why it is invalid. The second role is Surveillance Professionals, often referred to as the "eyes and ears" of the FBI. They capture photographs, videos, and sound recordings, which are critical for analysis and legal proceedings. These professionals are selected for their ability to blend into crowds, follow lead agent directives, and manage the demanding responsibilities of monitoring criminals and terrorists.

Continuing down the list, the next role is Forensic Accountants. These professionals identify and trace suspicious activities, often following trails of questionable transactions to uncover illegal actions. They provide new leads that assist investigators in apprehending criminals and countering threats. The final role is that of Linguists. FBI linguists utilize their language and cultural expertise to interpret information and communicate with persons of interest. Out of these four specialized fields, I am particularly drawn to the Surveillance Professionals field. I find great satisfaction in solving mysteries, puzzles, or any life equation that requires a solution. Professor Henderson's words resonate with me: “Evidence is the main key when dealing with cases in the system. Without evidence, there is no proof for a person who committed a crime to be put away or do the time for the crime they committed.” As an FBI Agent, gathering information, facts, and evidence to solve crimes is the primary objective of every position under this esteemed title, as recognized by the U.S. government. These government functions are divided into three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.

References

1. Adkins, W. (n.d.). The Different Types of FBI Agents. Retrieved from [website URL]
2. Henderson, M. (n.d.). [Lecture notes]. Criminal Justice Course, [University Name].
3. Federal Bureau of Investigation. (n.d.). Careers. Retrieved from [website URL]