FBI Has Improved Its System for Handling Allegations of Improprieties and Misconduct Against Its Employees
Gao ID: GGD-78-92 August 11, 1978Employees of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) must comply with regulations concerning standards of conduct, both on and off the job, and are subject to disciplinary action for violations.
The FBI has improved its system for handling allegations of impropriety and misconduct by creating an Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and making it centrally responsible for overseeing and controlling investigations of major allegations. The FBI has also improved its coordination with the Department of Justice and its monitoring of related disciplinary actions. Placing these functions in one office within a division that reports directly to the FBI Director provides better control over the handling of allegations. The OPR could improve its oversight if it periodically analyzed the nature of allegations, work deficiencies, and disciplinary actions taken. It could then better detect undesirable trends which indicate the need for training, counseling, or other action. (Author/HTW)