What Does it Take to Become an FBI Negotiator?
FBI crisis negotiators are part of the agency's critical incident response group. The roughly 300 negotiators provide assistance to state and local police negotiators and deploy the FBI hostage rescue team in crises, sieges and critical incidents. They provide assessments and strategies in overseas kidnapping and hostage situations. FBI negotiators must first pass the rigorous FBI standard tests for special agents and be trained as negotiators.
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Basic Requirements
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FBI negotiators have already passed the bar to be FBI special agents. They must be citizens of the U.S. or Northern Mariana islands, between ages 23 and 37 and have a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. Agents must have at least three years of work experience, a valid driver's license and the ability to go anywhere on assignment. They must qualify under one of five entry programs: accounting, computer science/information technology, language, law or diversified experience.
Physical Requirements
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FBI special agents must pass a physical test that includes doing a maximum number of sit-ups and push-ups in one minute each, run a timed 300-meter sprint and a timed 1.5 mile. They must also pass a vision and hearing test and a medical review.
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Background Investigation
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Candidates must undergo a background investigation. A felony will bring disqualification, as well as a failed urinalysis test or drug use, default on a federally-backed student loan or men failing to register for Selective Service. The background check includes a polygraph, an extensive credit check and interviews with friends, neighbors and employers.
Negotiation Course
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FBI special agents must pass a two-week National Crisis Negotiation course held at the agency's Virginia headquarters.
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