What is "special agent"

n. A detective of the United States government.

n. someone whose authority is limited to the special undertaking they have been instructed to perform [ant: universal agent]

In the United States, a special agent is usually a detective or investigator for a state, county, municipal, federal, or tribal government who primarily serve in investigatory roles. Within the United States' federal law enforcement system, dozens of federal agencies employ federal law enforcement officers, each with different criteria pertaining to the use of the titles "Special Agent" versus "Agent".

In general, some, but not all, agents are federal law enforcement officers, and hold either arrest authority or the right to conduct minor criminal/non-criminal investigations. In some agencies, however, an agent can have both arrest and minor criminal/non-criminal investigatory authority, yet still have no authority to conduct major criminal investigations. On the other hand, nearly all special agents are federal law enforcement officers, are distinctly empowered to conduct both major and minor criminal investigations, and hold arrest authority. Most special agents are authorized to carry firearms both on and off-duty, whereas only some agents are authorized to do so.

Uniquely, many American railroad police departments utilize "Special Agent" as either a rank or title, even if the special agent's role is not primarily investigatory in nature.

Special Agent is a folk album by Martin Simpson released in 1981.

Produced by Ric Sanders and Martin Simpson, recorded at Moor Green Studios, Rock, Wyre Forest. Originally issued by Waterfront in the UK, catalogue number WF 008.

Typically of an early Simpson album, it embraces both contemporary and traditional pieces and includes a Randy Newman song.

Special Agent is a 1935 American drama film directed by William Keighley and starring Bette Davis. The screenplay by Laird Doyle and Abem Finkel is based on a story by Martin Mooney.

Special agent is a title for a detective or investigator.

Special Agent may also refer to:

• Special Agent (1935 film), an American drama film directed by William Keighley
• Special Investigator (1936 film), an American western film starring Richard Dix
• Special Agent (1949 film), an American film directed by William C. Thomas
• Special Agent (album), a 1981 folk album by Martin Simpson
• Special Agent Oso, a 2009 Disney television series
• Special Agent, a subsidiary label under St. Lawrence records, which produced Barbara Acklin's first record

Special Agent is a 1949 American film directed by William C. Thomas.