Which of the following is considered a special investigator rather than a peace officer?

The FBI agent is considered a special investigator rather than a peace officer due to the nature of their role and the authority they hold. Special investigators typically work on specific cases or types of crimes that require extensive investigation and expertise. The FBI, as a federal agency, focuses on a wide range of federal criminal matters, including terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, and civil rights violations. Their agents often have specialized training and operate under federal laws, which distinguishes them from standard peace officers whose primary duties revolve around local or state law enforcement.

In contrast, local police officers and fire marshals generally operate within the parameters of state or local law enforcement and are classified as peace officers with broader law enforcement powers within their jurisdictions. Probation officers, while they play an important role in the criminal justice system, primarily supervise offenders after they are sentenced and also do not function as traditional peace officers with the same law enforcement authority as FBI agents. Thus, the classification of an FBI agent as a special investigator is based on their federal jurisdiction, specialized focus, and investigative responsibilities.