NCJ Number
91906
Date Published
1981
Length
903 pages
Annotation
The 5 days of hearings on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) authorization addressed that agency's role on Indian reservations, crime laboratories, and career development programs.
Abstract
On the first day, the commissioner of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights highlighted problems revealed by its study of FBI law enforcement activities on Indian reservations, such as delays in responding to requests for investigation, duplicating tribal officers' efforts, cultural barriers between FBI agents and the Indian communities which hamper investigations, and Indian perceptions of the FBI as an instrument of repression. A lawyer experienced in Indian affairs commented on the differing needs of individual tribes, the Federal role, and problems facing law enforcement agents in Indian territories. The second day of hearings shifted to forensic science, beginning with a description of the National Institute of Justice's forensic science program and its proficiency test component. A representative from a private research institute stated that all proficiency tests show there are very few competent criminologists in U.S. laboratories. He noted that trace evidence is seldom collected adequately, seldom analyzed when collected, and then seldom analyzed correctly. On the third day, an FBI official described the career development program and the impact of its required and frequent transfers on personnel. The hearings returned to crime laboratories and Indian matters in the next session. Managers of the FBI laboratory division summarized its activities, with particular attention to training and technical assistance. Another FBI official reviewed Indian reservation responsibilities and indicated the agency was interested in shifting more responsibility for investigating major crimes to tribal authorities. The hearings concluded with testimony from William H. Webster, the FBI director. Witnesses' prepared statements and numerous supplemental reports are provided.