- The FBI celebrates its 117th anniversary on July 26, 2025.
- Founded in 1908 as the Bureau of Investigation, the FBI has expanded its mission over time to tackle modern threats.
- The Bureau honors its continued commitment to the Constitution, national security, and community trust.
The Big Picture
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) marks 117 years of law enforcement service today. Since its establishment in 1908, the agency has evolved into the nation’s premier investigative force, responsible for combating domestic and international threats and protecting the American people.
A Brief History of the FBI
Early Foundations: 1896
In 1896, the National Bureau of Criminal Identification was created by the International Association of Chiefs of Police to help law enforcement agencies across the country identify known criminals. Though it was not a federal agency, this early effort laid the foundation for centralized criminal investigation.
Rising Threats and Presidential Action: 1901–1908
After President William McKinley was assassinated in 1901 by an anarchist, public fears about political violence and extremism escalated. President Theodore Roosevelt called for stronger federal investigative authority. In response, Attorney General Charles Bonaparte established a new agency after Congress barred the Department of Justice from borrowing Secret Service agents for investigations.
On July 26, 1908, Bonaparte formally created the Bureau of Investigation (BOI), appointing 34 agents—many of whom came from the Secret Service—to staff the nation’s first federal investigative agency.
Early Mandates: The Mann Act
One of the BOI’s earliest missions was enforcing the Mann Act of 1910, which prohibited transporting women across state lines for “immoral purposes.” This casework established the Bureau’s role in regulating federal crimes.
Evolution and Renaming: 1932–1935
Between 1932 and 1935, the agency transformed significantly:
- 1932: Renamed the U.S. Bureau of Investigation
- 1933: Merged with the Bureau of Prohibition, becoming the Division of Investigation
- 1935: Reorganized and renamed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), gaining independence within the Department of Justice
Legacy
From its modest beginnings, the FBI has become one of the most recognized law enforcement bodies in the world. Its mission has adapted to the challenges of each era—ranging from battling anarchist movements and enforcing vice laws to confronting organized crime, cyber threats, and terrorism in the 21st century.
What’s New
In a blog post celebrating the milestone, the Bureau emphasized its evolving strategies and steadfast values. “Our investigative approaches, tools, and technologies have evolved. Our purview to investigate different types of crimes has increased.”
The post also spotlighted the FBI’s enhanced collaboration with law enforcement and intelligence communities at home and abroad, as well as deepened community engagement efforts.
What They’re Saying
“We are proud to serve and protect the American people, upholding the Constitution every day,” the Bureau stated. Their message reiterated key roles—fighting crime, supporting victims, and safeguarding civil liberties.
What’s Next
As the FBI looks ahead, it continues to refine its mission through innovation, transparency, and constitutional fidelity. The public is encouraged to explore the Bureau’s evolving roles and priorities at its Mission and Priorities page or visit fbi.gov/history to learn more about its origins and legacy.
The Bottom Line
After 117 years, the FBI remains a critical institution in the American justice system. Its evolution reflects not only the shifting nature of crime but also the enduring values of integrity, accountability, and service to the nation.
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