Why FBI get involved with local affairs

Question

u know that miami shootout back in the 1980's? why did FBI secret agents get involved in the shootout? why didnt the miami police department do the job instead? also, ive seen FBI getting involved in problems that should be instead handled by local/state police. whats the deal? shouldnt there be a fine line between federal and local law enforcement?

Answer 1

The best answer I have for you is, the FBI has more resources then local PD's, especially the small departments. You do have a valid point though they tend to sometimes get involved when they are not always wanted or needed.

For example I work in a small town (pop. 610) and it's just me, the chief, and about 6 paid reserves. Every week the F.B.I sends us photos of wanted persons believed to have committed serious felonies that could be living in the area. I recognized the "gentleman" immediately, however there was NO WAY me and the chief were going to bring this guy in with just the two of us. This guy suspected of robbing 16 banks in Seattle, Portland, and Spokane Wa. I called the FBI they were there in about an hour made the arrest. They are able to do things that local deparments just can't fair or not that's how it is.

Answer 2

There used to be a line between local and federal authority called the Constitution, but nobody believes in that anymore.

Answer 3

Generally, when the FBI runs out of things to do in the office (i.e., check the paper level in the Xerox machine, replace staples in the stapler, etc.) they get bored and then they go and intervene in local affairs.  Since they have the authority to do so -- they are after all federal agents -- they can pretty much go and interlop where ever they want, at least until a local street cop tells them to go back to the cubicles.

Answer 4

I would need to know the specific details of the "problems" that you described in order to answer the second portion of your question.  In regards to the "1986 FBI Miami shootout" (as dubbed by the media) the shooting took place between a team of FBI agents and two bank robbery suspects.  Bank robbery is a federal crime.  Therefor, the FBI had jurisdiction to investigate the crimes.  The Miami Police could have investigated the crimes, but the FBI has more resources to do so.  Also, it is the FBI's job to investigate such crimes.  This allowed Miami Police to investigate other crimes so that they would not be utelising a great deal of manpower on one particular case.

Answer 5

Federal laws take jurisdiction over local and state laws.  They have every right to step in, especially if a suspected felony is believed to be in the works.

Answer 6

No sure what you mean by "secret agents". I am guessing you are talking about HRT. The hostage rescue team. They can come in if requested by local law enfocement or if there are federal intrests.