NCJ Number
83442
Date Published
1982
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The nature and benefits of a restructuring of the relationship between the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are described.
Abstract
In the realignment of responsibilities, DEA will continue as a law enforcement agency headed by an administrator; however, the administrator of DEA will report to the Department of Justice through the Director of the FBI. The Director of the FBI will ensure that maximum available FBI resources are used effectively to supplement DEA's existing resources and expertise. Further, the FBI has been assigned jurisdiction over the violations of the Federal criminal drug laws, concurrent with the jurisdiction of DEA. The administrator of DEA, subject to the general supervision of the Director of the FBI, is responsible for developing strategies for joint DEA/FBI drug enforcement efforts and should ensure that DEA is organized for effective drug enforcement. The principal benefits for Federal drug law enforcement in this realignment are that (1) additional personnel will be available for drug enforcement; (2) more sophisticated investigative tools will be available; (3) the proposed structure will enhance asset seizure efforts; and (4) the FBI's network of informants and criminal intelligence can be used in drug cases. DEA and FBI training officials have been cooperating to develop cross-training programs that will give all agents knowledge of their tasks under the new structure. At the field level, the Attorney General has begun an innovative program to ensure that the drug problem is addressed in a manner that will address local needs.