The FBI: Past, Present, and Future (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Oct. 2, 2003 |
| Report Number |
RL32095 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Todd Masse and William Krouse, Domestic Social Policy Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the Nation's premier law enforcement organization responsible for gathering and reporting facts and compiling evidence in cases involving federal jurisdiction. It has broad jurisdiction in federal law enforcement and in national security, and is a statutory member of the U.S. Intelligence Community. Currently, the FBI is undergoing a massive reorganization to shift its culture from reaction to crimes already committed to detection, deterrence and prevention of terrorist attacks against U.S. interests. The FBI continues to be a major domestic and international force in the war against terrorism. The FBI, one element of the U.S. Department of Justice, is led by a Director appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The current organizational schema of the FBI has three main elements: Headquarters, 56 Field Offices, and 45 Legal Attaches overseas. The degree of autonomy with which field offices have operated with respect to Headquarters has oscillated over time. Currently, Headquarters is assuming a more assertive role in directing field activities and demanding accountability, particularly with respect to the FBI's national security responsibilities. The FBI's national security mission has assumed an unprecedented degree of prominence. In order to successfully implement its mission, the FBI has extensive relationships with other federal executive agencies, including other members of the U.S. Intelligence Community. It also has an important network of relationships with state and local law enforcement, and overseas law enforcement agencies and security services.
