Inside the FBI

The FBI is one of the most powerful institutions in the world. Yet it is little understood. With its success in fighting crime it has developed from humble beginnings in the early 20th century, to become one of the world's chief law enforcement agencies. However, at times, in its hunger for power, the Bureau has met with controversy. In the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, new and daunting challenges face the Bureau, and it must look to what has always been its strongest asset - its people. National Geographic Television & Film has been given unprecedented access to the inner sanctum of the FBI, the Strategic Information Operations Centre. This is the most secure area in the J. Edgar Hoover Building and the place where top-secret material is discussed and secure communication is had directly with the White House. When there is a crisis, this is the place to be. We follow HAZ-MAT special agents as they extract samples from a mail delivery contaminated with anthrax spores and go behind the scenes with counter-terrorist teams who work to protect a crowd of nearly 60,000 people at a major sporting event. We get a privileged glimpse inside the FBI's international operations and meet some of the key operatives in the battle against terrorism. All this is supplemented with a detailed and intriguing review of the history of the Bureau and some of its controversial moments. Join National Geographic Film and Television for a fascinating glimpse of the secretive world of THE FBI.