The Special Agent Selection System (SASS) is a mentally and physically challenging process designed to find only the most capable applicants. However, those who make it through the process become part of an elite team that keeps our country safe. The SASS typically takes 1 year to complete, and often longer. An explanation of the steps in the process to becoming a Special Agent can be found on the next page.

This is not a study of mass killings or mass shootings, but rather a study of a specific type of shooting situation law enforcement and the public may face. Incidents identified in this study do not encompass all gun-related situations; therefore caution should be taken when using this information without placing it in context. Specifically, shootings that resulted from gang or drug violence-pervasive, long-tracked, criminal acts that could also affect the public-were not included in this study. In addition, other gun-related shootings were not included when those incidents appeared generally...