FBI Special Agent Gary Fuhr made a presentation to SLU students on Nov. 2 at 3:30 p.m. in Ritter Hall. The presentation was sponsored by the Association of Criminal Justice and Sociology and the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity.
Gary Fuhr served in the Vietnam War prior to becoming a special agent. He then graduated from the University of Missouri and joined the Police Department in St. Louis.
Fuhr reported that it took six years to be hired as a special agent. He took this title in 1980. Currently, along with his special agent duties, he teaches classes such as Interview and Investigation and Hostage Negotiation for the FBI.
Fuhr’s first question to the audience was what students thought it meant to be an FBI agent. After a few responses he explained a kidnapping case he supervised recently.
Fuhr described the event of a one-year-old boy was kidnapped from his home while the babysitter and the older brother were handcuffed at gun point. When the father learned of the situation he informed the police who then notified the FBI. It was at this point that the duties of the FBI became apparent, Fuhr explained. He said that it is the FBI’s primary concern to recover the boy and return him safely to his family, and not to prosecute the offender. Fuhr expressed that returning the child to his parents’ arms is what makes his job so rewarding.
As far as prosecuting the offender, Fuhr informed the listeners that communication with an offender can be limited by the apathy that he or she feels toward the agent. Certain techniques of communication can be employed in these situations. He said that a love relationship allows for optimal communication, however, that is not possible in these circumstances.
Fuhr’s presentation included a recruiting video on how to become a special agent in the premier law enforcement agency in the nation. A prospective agent undergoes a 15-week training period in Quantico, Virginia, where people attend classes, undergo physicals and receive training in tactical maneuvers and firearms.
As a recruiter, Fuhr mentioned three attributes that can help the applicants. The attributes are good interpersonal skills useful in communication techniques, writing skills, and the ability to solve problems is important.
