The Drug Enforcement Administration's Affirmative Action Program Should Be Improved

Gao ID: FPCD-78-31 March 30, 1978

Executive Order 11478 states that it is the policy of the government to provide equal opportunity in federal employment on the basis of merit and fitness without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and to promote equal employment opportunity (EEO) through a continuing affirmative action program in each executive department and agency. The Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) affirmative action program seeks to develop employment goals for minorities and women and timetables for their accomplishments.

Some progress has been made toward equalizing the employment situation at DEA, but more can be done. From July 1, 1974, through December 31, 1976, the number of women employed on a permanent basis increased from 1,117 to 1,184 and the number of minorities rose from 434 to 823. At December 31, 1976, women accounted for 2.8 percent and minorities for 15.6 percent of the total number of investigators employed. Among the 17 attorneys, there were no women or minorities. In grades GS-7 or above, women accounted for 12.7 percent of permanent employees and minorities for 16.3 percent.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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