CIRG Handbook
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Introduction

This handbook establishes unit details, uniform regulations, vehicle usage, and firearms loadout, governing all tactical operations conducted under the Critical Incident Response Group.

Handbooks such as hostage rescue, active shooter protocol, and close quarter combat is not CIRG-specific. Those are written within the general FBI handbook, and still applies to CIRG.

These directives apply to all personnel assigned to CIRG components, including SWAT elements, the FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), and associated specialized units. Compliance with the policies outlined herein is required for all Special Agents and support personnel operating under CIRG authority.

Failure to adhere to established standards may result in operational decertification, mandatory retraining, removal from tactical status, administrative action, or additional disciplinary measures as determined by command authority.

Compliance Notice

• All CIRG personnel are required to:

  • Adhere strictly to tactical doctrine, deployment protocols, certification standards, and reporting requirements outlined in this handbook.

  • Ensure accuracy, completeness, and integrity in all operational documentation, after-action reports, and readiness records.

  • Conduct all missions in accordance with federal law, Bureau guidelines, and established use-of-force standards.

  • Preserve operational security, sensitive information, and mission confidentiality at all times.

  • CIRG leadership retains the authority to evaluate, inspect, certify, suspend, or revoke tactical status to ensure compliance with national operational standards and Bureau policy.

Units & Personnel

Below are units within Critical Incident Response Group. All operators are separated into 3 units. Special Agents should never refer to themselves as "CIRG" or "Critical Incident Response Group" agents. Instead, the terms "FBI SWAT", "FBI HRT", and "FBI SWAT Sniper" should be used for public clarity and communication.

SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) 2A

• Role: Tactical response element to support local high risk calls or major investigations

• Requirements:

  • Already an FBI Special Agent

  • Completion of NOTS course.

  • Able to provide weekly activity and attend deployments.

  • Above-expectation knowledge of legal and procedural material.

• Team Leader: CIRG Assistant Director

• Slots: 6

HRT (Hostage Rescue Team) 2B

• Role: Tactical assault special operations unit for a wide scope of missions, FBI's most competent operators.

• Requirements:

  • Experience as FBI SWAT and FBI LRIT

  • Completion of AOS course.

  • Able to provide weekly activity and attend deployments.

  • Handpicked by the CIRG Deputy Director as fit for HRT.

• Team Leader: CIRG Deputy Director

• Slots: 6

LRIT (Long Range Intervention Team) 2C

• Role: Advanced precision sniper and long-range interdiction element.

• Requirements:

  • Experience as FBI SWAT

  • Completion of DMC certification.

  • Able to provide weekly activity and attend deployments.

  • Handpicked by the SWAT team leader as fit for LRIT.

• Team Leader: CIRG Deputy Director

• Slots: 4

Command (Office of CIRG Director) 2D

• Role: Oversee and manage Critical Incident Response Group and all of it's elements.

• Requirements:

  • Experience as FBI SWAT

  • Completion of ASAT leadership course.

  • High dedication and activity to CIRG.

  • Handpicked by the Director of the FBI.

• Consists of: Director, Deputy Director, Assistant Director

Uniform Regulations

Standard Field Uniform (Daily Operations):

• CIRG windbreaker (class 2) or standard class 2 is the default duty uniform.

• It may be worn during routine operations, travel, and non-tactical assignments, while following these regulations.

Tactical Gear Usage:

• Operators may wear full tactical gear when:

  • Officially deployed to an active tactical operation, or

  • Operating alongside two or more CIRG personnel already in tactical gear.

• Restriction:

  • No operator may wear full tactical gear alone outside of an active deployment.

• • Tactical gear must follow these uniform regulations.

Vehicle Usage

This section only regulates how and when different vehicles can be used. Please refer to the vehicle regulations here for setup.

Standard Vehicles:

• All standard vehicles may be used if the agent's rank permits, both on and off deployments.

• This includes both in or out of tactical operations.

Utility Vehicles:

• All utility vehicles may be used at all times, both on and off deployments.

• This includes both in or out of tactical operations.

Unmarked Vehicles:

• All unmarked vehicles may be used at all times, both on and off deployments.

• This includes both in or out of tactical operations.

Supervisor/Booster/Retired:

• Above vehicles may not be used during deployments/tactical operations.

• They may be used while not in tactical gear, if the agent's rank/booster status permits.

Firearms Loadout

This section only regulates how CIRG personnel should select their firearms loadout. Please refer to the weapons regulations here for usage regulations and details.

Carry:

• Like all agents, CIRG personnel (both in or out of tactical gear) are authorized to use the M4A1 carbine.

• CIRG personnel are also authorized to carry any weapon systems, as long as proficiency is able to be proven, and it is approved by a supervisor.

Trunk:

• Glock 17 pistol is required for CIRG personnel at all times, to be used in conjunction with a ballistic shield, or if the primary weapon system fails.

• HRT & LRIT operators are required to carry a Orsis T 5000 sniper rifle in the vehicle trunk for long range engagements.