CONSIDERED
A CAREER AS AN FBI CYBER SPECIALIST?
Here's What It's Like: Up Close and Personal
01/21/05
Kevin Gutfleish
is the first to admit he has a crucially important job. For six years
he has worked at FBIHQ as an Intelligence Analyst in the FBI's program
to combat the exploitation of children over the Internet, our Innocent
Images National Initiative (IINI).
Q: Kevin,
can you tell me what you like best about the job?
Kevin: That's easy. With regards to the IINI, I have the unique and
important role of protecting kids. And if that isn't enough, I actually get
paid to do it every day. Beyond this particular assignment, though, there's
a universe of other critical assignments for Intelligence Analysts in the FBI.
That kind of built-in job flexibility is exciting and is why I love my job
so much. For example, at what company could you change from working crimes
against children, to investigating terrorism, and then to investigating organized
crime without having to leave your office building? For example, after the
9/11 attacks I was temporarily assigned to a team that investigated the international
travel of the hijackers and their associates. I was so personally glad to be
working on that case.
Q: How did
you end up with a cutting edge assignment in cyber crime?
Kevin: A little bit by the back door, I guess. I worked in our Crimes
Against Children program, which investigates non-computer crimes against children,
and one thing led to the next. Now I am the senior analyst at FBI Headquarters
within these programs—and am proud to say that I've helped get 3 different
child predators put on the FBI's Top 10 List.
Q: What's
a typical working day like?
Kevin: For me, there is no typical workday. As subject-matter expert
on predators who target kids over the Internet, I routinely provide consultations
and operational assistance to FBI Agents in the field who are working undercover
cases. But there's more. One day I'll write an Intelligence Assessment (even
for the President of the United States!); the next an important case will break
that needs immediate attention; the next I'll be off to assess IINI field undercover
ops. To date I've done 11 of these assessments, traveling to field offices
to interview investigators, supervisors, and prosecutors; to review all case
files, statistical accomplishments, evidentiary procedures, and liaison efforts;
and to brief the Special Agent in Charge of the office on the results. Protecting
kids is the greatest motivator in the world for all of us in the program.
Q: Any advice
to prospective FBI recruits?
Kevin: Oh yes. Only apply to be an Intelligence Analyst if you thrive
on challenges and are not afraid to work hard every day. The opportunities
are unlimited here, but you have to be willing to go the extra mile. Members
of the FBI are held to a higher standard, and putting forth 110% is expected.
Everything you do—even the most basic tasks—are significant. And
that's the payoff: You get to experience first-hand how one person can significantly
contribute to the safety of the US and our citizens. Basically, your work speaks
for itself.
Links:
Apply
now | Cyber
investigations | Innocent
Images program