NCJ Number
207936
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 71 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2004 Pages: 37-38,41-42,44
Date Published
October 2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article explores the new recruiting strategy of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Abstract
The FBI has historically faced difficulties with recruitment mainly because of its stringent application requirements and less than desirable public image. In an effort to overhaul its public perception and recruit the most qualified and diverse candidates possible, the FBI teamed with EdVenture Partners to build a recruitment program for college students in schools with high minority populations. The program directs students to create a marketing plan for the FBI in partnership with FBI recruiters. Students create fully formed marketing plans with a class budget of $2,500 provided by the FBI. Specific criteria are presented by the FBI while students perform market research, create a formal marketing proposal for the FBI, implement the campaign, and assess the campaign’s effectiveness. During 2002, the first year of the program, EdVenture programs were launched at 3 colleges; in 2003, the number of participating schools had reached 10. The results have been outstanding, with the FBI receiving 446 applications as a direct result of the program. The FBI recommends this type of recruitment strategy to any law enforcement agency, commenting that grassroots student outreach campaigns effectively target the population that law enforcement is interested in recruiting.