State and local law enforcement agencies are not subordinate to the FBI. If a crime occurs and the FBI shares jurisdiction with another agency or the FBI’s assistance is requested, the FBI will work closely with local and state police in an informal partnership or, for certain cases, a task force is formed combining federal, state, and local resources and manpower to solve a crime or prevent one. In some situations, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is drafted and signed by agency heads to establish responsibilities, financial obligations, and procedures.
