What is the role of the FBI in criminal investigations?

The FBI plays a crucial role in investigating and enforcing federal laws, particularly in relation to serious crimes that cross state lines or pose a significant threat to national security and public safety. This includes a wide range of offenses such as terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, corruption, and civil rights violations. The agency operates under the jurisdiction of the federal government, allowing it to access resources, tools, and information that aid in the investigation of these serious crimes.

By focusing on federal law enforcement, the FBI collaborates with various local, state, and international agencies, providing expertise and facilitating investigations that require federal authority and resources. This supportive framework is critical for addressing criminal activities that are too pervasive or complex for state and local law enforcement to manage independently.

Other options, such as representing victims in court or creating new laws, fall outside the FBI's mandate. While funding for state law enforcement agencies may occur through federal programs, it is not the primary function of the FBI. Therefore, the focus remains on their core responsibility of investigating and enforcing federal laws pertaining to significant criminal activities.