The Federal Bureau of Investigation has taken a hard look at its 56 local field offices and determined that the Cincinnati Division needs 12 more agents. The new special agent in charge says that's a generous amount and it will happen gradually.
Chris Hoffman says he wants to be smart about where the agents are assigned. "Cyber is a big push for us. It affects every investigation, whether it's gangs, counterintelligence or counterterrorism." Hoffman says all terrorists and spies are using encryption, social media and cyber technology.
When the FBI can't crack the encryption, there will be other agents using human intelligence "to tell us what is happening," he adds.
During a media roundtable Thursday Hoffman told reporters, "We're really happy about it. And actually, I talked to the deputy director before I came out and he said, 'Truth be known, Cincinnati could probably use more.' "
Hoffman says he's encouraged that the FBI took a hard look at all the field offices and how the agents are assigned.
The Cincinnati Division covers all of central and southern Ohio.
