List of U.S. Government Agencies and Departments

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Government Agencies

The United States Government makes a wealth of resources and information available to the general public that can be extremely useful for private investigators. This article includes a list of government agencies and resources that may be helpful to private investigators. Resources include intelligence agencies, various bureaus and departments, libraries, state information, and other resources. Also, see our list of Federal Regulatory Agencies.

List of Government Agencies, Bureaus, Commissions, and Departments

The following is an alphabetical list of organizations in the United States federal executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This list of government agencies is not comprehensive, nor will it remain completely accurate, as agencies are shut down, and new ones are formed regularly. Also, the list has been trimmed to those departments/agencies that a private investigator would most likely interact with.

9/11 Commission, formally known as the “National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States,” was an independent, bipartisan commission established by the U.S. government following the September 11, 2001 attacks to investigate the events leading up to the attacks thoroughly, examine the government’s preparedness, and provide recommendations to prevent future terrorist acts; it conducted extensive hearings, interviews, and research to produce a detailed report outlining its findings and policy suggestions.

Administration on Aging (AOA) – Works to improve the lives of older people and their caregivers

Bureau of Transportation (BOT) – responsible for ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people today and into the future.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—One of the most influential organizations on this list of government agencies, the CDC protects America from health, safety, and security threats, both foreign and domestic.

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)—The CIA, headquartered in Langley, Virginia, was created in 1947 when President Harry Truman signed the National Security Act. The CIA coordinates the nation’s intelligence activities and correlates, evaluates, and disseminates intelligence that affects national security.

Customs and Border Protection – U.S. Customs and Border Protection is a federal law enforcement agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security. Customs regulates and facilitates international trade, collects import duties, and enforces hundreds of U.S. regulations, including trade, drug, and immigration laws. The agency’s primary mission is to prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States.

  • The United States Border Patrol is a federal law enforcement agency within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Its agents are responsible for immigration and border law enforcement. Agents prevent terrorists and weapons from entering the United States. They also deter, detect, and apprehend illegal aliens and individuals involved in the illicit drug trade who enter the United States other than through designated ports of entry.

The Defense Intelligence Agency provides military intelligence to defense policymakers and force planners in the Department of Defense and the general Intelligence Community. The agency supports the U.S. military in planning and operations and in acquiring weapon systems.

Department of Homeland Security—The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has three primary missions: to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce America’s vulnerability to terrorism, and minimize the damage from potential attacks and natural disasters.

Department of Justice – Responsible for enforcing the law and defending its interests according to the law.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – The FBI is the investigative arm of the US Department of Justice. It is probably the most well-known on this list of government agencies. Learn more by reading these FBI books.

Federal Bureau of Prisons – Learn about the department responsible for managing the federal prison system. Also, learn how to find someone who is incarcerated.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – The FCC is an independent agency of the United States government responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. Established by the Communications Act of 1934, the FCC aims to promote connectivity, innovation, and competition while ensuring that communication services are accessible, efficient, and affordable for all Americans. It oversees key areas such as spectrum allocation, broadband deployment, media ownership, public safety communications, and consumer protection against robocalls and fraudulent billing practices. The FCC also works to advance digital inclusion and maintain a free and open internet through its regulatory and enforcement activities.

Federal Citizen Information Center—This center provides government information via a nationwide toll-free telephone number: 1 (800) FED-INFO. The NCC responds to thousands of government information requests every business day, either providing the information directly or locating the source of assistance for the caller.

Financial Management Service – The Financial Management Service provides central payment services to federal agencies, operates the federal government’s collections and deposit ystems, provides government-wide accounting and reporting services, and manages the collection of delinquent debt owed to the government.

Government Printing Office (GPO) – The most popular government site. Search by branch or topic for official government versions of executive, legislation, and judicial information. Search and retrieve complete text from more than 50 official online databases arranged in an alphabetical list and by a branch of government.

National Reconnaissance Office—The NRO designs, builds, and operates he nation’s satellites. Its products can warn of potential trouble spots worldwide, help the military plan operations, and monitor the environment.

National Security Agency (NSA) –  Responsible for collecting and analyzing foreign communications and foreign signals intelligence, which involves the process of cryptanalysis. The agency is also responsible for protecting United States government communications and information systems from similar agencies elsewhere, which consists of the process of cryptography.

National Security Council – The President’s principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters with his senior national security advisors and cabinet officials.

Secret Service – The United States Secret Service protects the President and Vice President, their families, heads of state, and other designated individuals; investigates threats against these protectees; protects the White House, Vice President’s Residence, Foreign Missions, and other buildings within Washington, D.C.; and plans and implements security designs for designated National Special Security Events. Additionally, the Secret Service investigates violations of laws relating to the counterfeiting of obligations and securities of the United States. In addition, they investigate financial crimes that include but are not limited to access device fraud, financial institution fraud, identity theft, and computer fraud. Also, they cover computer-based attacks on our nation’s economic, banking, and telecommunications infrastructure.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – The SEC is a federal agency that regulates and enforces securities market laws. Its mission is to protect investors, ensure market fairness, and promote capital formation. The SEC oversees public companies, financial professionals, and market exchanges while combating fraud and maintaining transparent, efficient markets.

State Department – The U.S. Department of State leads the nation’s foreign policy and diplomatic efforts, representing American interests globally. It manages international relations, negotiates treaties, and supports citizens abroad. The department promotes democracy, human rights, and economic development while fostering alliances and addressing global challenges like climate change, security, and humanitarian crises.

Treasury Department – The U.S. Department of the Treasury manages federal finances, including tax collection, currency production, and public debt. It enforces financial laws, combats illicit activities, and promotes economic stability. Key roles include overseeing fiscal policy, managing government accounts, and fostering international economic growth through strategic initiatives and partnerships.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – The USDA oversees food, agriculture, natural resources, and rural development. It supports farmers, ensures food safety, combats hunger, and promotes sustainable practices. The USDA manages agricultural research, conservation programs, and trade policies while fostering rural economic growth and ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all Americans.

U.S. Government Accountability Office – Reports and testimony, decisions and opinions, and policy and publications. Includes findings and recommendations from its audits, surveys, investigations, and evaluations of federal programs.

U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – FEMA is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for coordinating the federal government’s response to disasters and emergencies. FEMA works to prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other crises, such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and terrorist attacks. It provides support to state, tribal, and local governments, offering financial aid, logistical resources, and expertise to ensure effective disaster management. FEMA also administers disaster preparedness programs, such as public education and training initiatives, and oversees the National Flood Insurance Program to promote resilience and recovery in affected communities.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Works to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people

White House – The White Ho se is the official residence and primary workplace of the President of the United States, serving as the central hub of the federal government’s ex cutive branch. It houses the President’s key advisors, policy teams, and support staff who help shape and implement the administration’s agenda. As both a symbolic and unctional institution, the White House coordinates legislative initiatives, oversees federal agencies, manages foreign relations, and addresses national issues. It also ceremoniously hosts state functions, international dignitaries, and ublic events. Through its press office, the White House communicates the President’s polici s, priorities, and responses to national and global developments to the American people and the world.

Other Government Agencies, Bureaus, Boards, Commissions

Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Agency for International Development
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Agricultural Marketing Service
Agricultural Research Service
Air Force
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Bureau
Arms Control and International Security
Army
Army Corps of Engineers
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Interagency Coordinating Committee
Bankruptcy Courts
Border Patrol (see Customs and Border Protection)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
Bureau of Industry and Security (formerly the Bureau of Export Administration)
Bureau of International Labor Affairs
Bureau of Justice Statistics
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Bureau of Prisons
Bureau of Public Debt
Census Bureau – U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of the Census
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigations Board
Coast Guard
Commerce Department
Community Planning and Development
Comptroller of the Currency Office
Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
Defense Commissary Agency
Defense Contract Audit Agency
Defense Contract Management Agency
Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)
Defense Legal Services Agency
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
Defense Security Cooperation Agency
Defense Security Service
Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Department of Commerce (DOC)
Department of Defense (DOD)
Department of Defense Inspector General
Department of Education (ED)
Department of Energy (DOE)
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Department of the Interior (DOI)
Department of Labor (DOL)
Department of State (DOS)
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Employee Benefits Security Administration
Employment and Training Administration (Labor Department)
Employment Standards Administration
Engraving and Printing, Bureau of
Environment, Safety, and Health
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Export-Import Bank of the United States
Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
Federal Election Commission (FEC)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Federal Highway Administration (FHA)
Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight
Federal Housing Finance Board
Federal Judicial Center
Federal Labor Relations Authority
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Federal Maritime Commission
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
Federal Railroad Administration
Federal Reserve System
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Federal Transit Administration
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Forest Service
General Accounting Office (GAO)
General Services Administration (GSA)
Geological Survey (USGS)
Government National Mortgage Association
Health Resources and Services Administration
House of Representatives
House Office of Inspector General
Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD)
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Bureau of
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
Industry and Security, Bureau of
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB)
International Trade Administration (ITA)
Joint Chiefs of Staff
Judicial Circuit Courts of Appeal
Land Management, Bureau of
Library of Congress
Marine Corps
Maritime Administration
Marshals Service
Mineral Management Service
Minority Business Development Agency
Mint
Missile Defense Agency
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
National AIDS Policy Office
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
National Cemetery Administration (Veterans Affairs Department)
National Communications System (Homeland Security)
National Constitution Center
National Council on Disability
National Credit Union Administration
National Defense University
National Drug Intelligence Center
National Economic Council
National Guard
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
National Imagery and Mapping Agency
National Institute of Justice
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Labor Relations Board
National Mediation Board
National Nuclear Security Administration
National Ocean Service
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
National Park Service
National Technical Information Service
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
National Transportation Safety Board
National Weather Service
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Navy
Nuclear Energy, Science, and Technology
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
Office of Compliance
Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight
Office of Government Ethics
Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)
Office of Personnel Management
Office of Science and Technology Policy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information
Office of Special Counsel
Overseas Private Investment Corporation
Patent and Trademark Office
Peace Corps
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
Policy Development and Research
Public Debt, Bureau of
Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (State Department)
Railroad Retirement Board
Reclamation, Bureau of
Regulatory Information Service Center
Rehabilitation Services Administration (Education Department)
Research, Education, and Economics (Agriculture Department)
Research and Special Programs Administration
Selective Service System
Senate
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Smithsonian Institution
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Social Security Advisory Board
Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
State Justice Institute
Supreme Court of the United States
Trade and Development Agency
Transportation Security Administration
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. International Trade Commission
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
U.S. National Central Bureau – Interpol (Justice Department)
U.S. Postal Service
U.S. Trade Representative
Unified Combatant Commands (Defense Department)
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Veterans Benefits Administration
Veterans Health Administration

More About United States Government Intelligence Agencies

The United States Government created United States Government Intelligence Agencies to protect America and its citizens.  U.S. Intelligence agencies provide national security by:

  • Gathering, evaluating, and disseminating information that affects national security and the safety of American citizens, land, and property
  • Providing intelligence to th military, including the Marines, Army, Air Force, and Navy
  • Protecting the nation’s borders
  • Reducing America’s vulnerability to terrorism and terrorist acts
  • Investigating specific crimes
  • Advising on foreign policy matters

Federal Agencies, Bureaus, and Departments

  • Federal Regulatory Agencies – A list of the primary regulatory agencies and their services.
  • The Pentagon – The Pentagon is the headquarters building for the Department of Defense. Learn about the building and the operations contained within.

Government and Public Libraries

Government libraries are excellent sources of data and information for inve tigative professionals. Libraries store a wealth of resources such as books, microfilm, microfiche, audiotapes, CDs, vinyl records, assettes, VHS tapes, DVDs, CD-ROM , databases, and maps. In addition, the libraries are staffed with knowledgeable librarians, historians, and experts.

Many resources stored in governmental libraries are also available in electronic and/or digital format and online. Below is a partial list of some of the more prominent collections:

List of Government Websites with State Information

Other Information, Research Tools

Questions, Comments, and Suggestions

Please comment below if you have any questions about this list of government agencies or have suggestions for other users.

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