FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AG

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2001

(202) 616-2777

WWW.USDOJ.GOV TDD

(202) 514-1888

ATTORNEY GENERAL ASHCROFT SIGNS ORDER

TO ENLARGE JURISDICTION OF INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. Attorney General John Ashcroft today signed an order enlarging the jurisdiction of the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Justice with respect to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Effective immediately, the Inspector General will have primary jurisdiction over allegations of misconduct against employees of the FBI and DEA.

"This action now gives the Office of Inspector General the same authority to investigate misconduct allegations against employees of the FBI and DEA that the Office of Inspector General has with respect to all other components of the Department of Justice, thereby promoting consistency in the disposition of such allegations," said Attorney General Ashcroft.

Previously, the Offices of Professional Responsibility of the FBI and DEA, respectively, had primary jurisdiction over allegations of misconduct against FBI and DEA employees. The Inspector General could exercise jurisdiction over such allegations only if the Attorney General or Deputy Attorney General so ordered in an individual case.

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