FBI Critical Incident Response Group

Last updated

Critical Incident Response Group
Active1994–present [1]
(28–29 years)
Country United States
Agency Federal Bureau of Investigation
Part of Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch
Headquarters J. Edgar Hoover Building
Washington, D.C.
AbbreviationCIRG
Commanders
Current
commander
Assistant Director Paul H. Haertel [2]

The Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) is a division of the Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. CIRG enables the FBI to rapidly respond to, and effectively manage, special crisis incidents in the United States.

Contents

History

In response to public outcry over the standoffs at Ruby Ridge, Idaho, and of the Branch Davidians in the Waco Siege, the FBI formed the CIRG in 1994 to deal with crisis situations more efficiently. The CIRG is designated to formulate strategies, manage hostage or siege situations, and if possible resolve them "without loss of life", as pledged in a 1995 Senate hearing by FBI Director Louis Freeh, who assumed the post four-and-a-half months after the Waco Siege.

CIRG was intended to integrate tactical and investigative resources and expertise for critical incidents which necessitate an immediate response from law enforcement authorities. CIRG will deploy investigative specialists to respond to terrorist activities, hostage takings, child abductions and other high-risk repetitive violent crimes. Other major incidents include prison riots, bombings, air and train crashes, and natural disasters.

Organization

Each of the major areas of CIRG furnishes distinctive operational assistance and training to FBI field offices as well as state, local and international law enforcement agencies.

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References

  1. "Olympic Torches". Federal Bureau of Investigation . August 2016. Archived from the original on March 2, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  2. "Paul H. Haertel". Federal Bureau of Investigation . Retrieved August 16, 2022.