The FBI was probably the most visitor friendly tour we were on, at least the waiting in line part of it! We tried to visit once earlier in the week, but the tours had already been closed for the day. So, on Thursday, we made an effort to get there early. Well, we get there early in the morning and find out that the regular tours wouldn't start up again until 1:00 in the afternoon. We had several groups of kids in front of us and discovered that they were only taking the reserved groups at that time. However, we were able to sneak in for the firearms demonstration. A female agent demonstrated three firearms used by the FBI and then took questions. The first one was "Can I have the target?", a bit of information that I filed away for later, when we returned for the regular tour.

We had time on our hands until the tours resumed, so we took off to the Museum of Natural History for a little while. As we come back around to the FBI Building, we saw the line forming, so I stood while Rob went to McDonalds (across the street) and we munched and huddled under umbrellas because it was a cold and rainy day (blecccchhh...).

A little before 1:00 the line started to move as we go through security. My stuff was x-rayed for the umpteenth time and for the *first* time I set off the metal detector! It turned out to be my watch, since I had forgotten to put it in my camera bag.

After security, we went through the building and then formed a line to wait for the actual tour. Here is where the FBI shined above all others, they provided *benches* for us to sit on instead of having to stand in line! Let me tell you, that was a much welcomed sight after a week of walking in DC! Once we finally got into the tour, we had to wait for people to go to the bathroom and such, since there are no facilities once you are on the tour. Again, they provided benches, and this time they were padded (another welcomed sight, after sitting on the hard benches outside!).

The tour was very informative. I had heard that the little video that they show at the beginning was kind of corny, and it was. The had displays talking about the major investigative areas of the FBI. We saw mobster guns, confiscated bears (long story behind that one!) and DNA labs. The guide told us a great story about the 10 Most Wanted. The FBI offers a small reward for the capture of these criminals, but usually private contributors make an additional pledge of money. A couple on their honeymoon were on the tour and recognized their neighbor. He was arrested and the couple collected the $1,000,000 reward. Happy honeymoon!

Our group was the first to get into the observation room for the firearms demonstration, so we got first choice of the seats. I aimed right for the aisle where the agent comes to answer questions, thinking I might have a good shot at getting my question called on first. Well, the best laid plans of mice and men... The agent called on a little girl sitting on the other side of the aisle, and she asked for the target. When the agent turned to ask what my question was, I responded that that was what my question was going to be, to which he responded "I have an extra."

So, yes folks, I am now the proud (?) owner of an official FBI practice target, bullet holes and all (see below). In addition, I hit the gift shop and left with my FBI mug and "Capture of John Dillinger" t-shirt.

 


The row of flags alongside the Hoover building



The front door of the J. Edgar Hoover Building
(this is not the tourist entrance)


The FBI building from the Old Post Office Tower
The vertical lines are cables on the outside of the Tower's viewing area


My FBI target