Forwarded From: William Knowles <erehwon@kizmiaz.dis.org>
[TechWeb] (7.22.98) When FBI special-agent trainees graduate from the
bureau academy at Quantico, Va., they are each issued a gun, a badge --
and now, a laptop computer.
Crime today often involves the use of sophisticated technology, and new
agents have to be able to shoot straight, learn the law, and be able to
use technology.
Part of the FBI's duty is to investigate computer-related crimes and
issues of national security. Because it needs these specialized skills,
the bureau is in competition with other agencies such as the Secret
Service and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) -- as well as the
private sector -- for recruits.
Attorney General Janet Reno, addressing a conference on children's safety
on the Internet in December, called on the technology community to help
law enforcement.
But Reno's call does not mean making a computer geek into a G-man. The
FBI recruits in the high-tech industry and in colleges and universities
for special agents with other attributes besides computer-science degrees.
"There is not a specific category [in the FBI] for someone with more
computer skills," said Special Agent Ron Van Vraken, an FBI spokesman.
"But someone with skills and experience is highly marketable. We've
recognized we need to attract those people into the FBI."
The FBI is not alone.
The CIA has a long listing of Web postings for technology-related jobs.
There are ongoing requirements for knowledge-based systems engineers,
software developers, and electronics engineers listed alongside jobs such
as theatrical-effects specialists and clandestine service trainees.
Although the CIA is not a law-enforcement agency like the FBI and the
Secret Service, it, too, chases "bad guys" and needs people trained in
technology, said Anya Guilsher, an agency spokeswoman. "We have a great
interest in people with advanced technology skills," she said.
The Secret Service, which investigates financially related crimes as well
as protects the president, is also looking. Its jobs listings include
openings for computer specialists and telecommunications specialists.
The ideal candidate for these agencies is not necessarily a computer wiz,
said Ron Williams, a former Secret Service agent and current CEO of
high-tech security company Talon Technology.
"The ideal candidate is well-rounded," he said, adding they should also
understand computers, have good communications skills, and know human
behavior.
"To catch a criminal, you have to think like one," Williams said. "You can
take agents, and if they have good street smarts and good computer skills,
you can make them into hacker sleuths."
-o-
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Received on Thu Jul 23 08:34:28 1998