Shortcuts to sections appropriate
to this dicussion of Misconduct
Failure
to Advise Court of Critical Information Related to Plea
Improper argument to court
Insubordination
and Issues of Credibility
Inappropriate
Comments to the Grand Jury
Instructing
an Agent to Alter Reports:
Failure
to Advise Court of Lack of Any Legal Basis for Indictment
Failure
to Disclose Newly-Discovered Brady Material
Disposition of FBI/OPR
Matters
Driving
Under the Influence of Alcohol
Office of Professional Responsibility
Fiscal Year 1994 Annual Report
Office of Professional Responsibility
Fiscal Year 1994 Annual Report
Introduction
Jurisdiction and Functions
Significant Initiatives in FY 1994
Statistical Summary of OPR Activities in FY 1994
Examples of Matters Investigated by OPR in FY 1994
Federal Bureau of Investigation OPR
Significant Initiatives in FY 1994
Statistical Summary of FBI/OPR Activities in FY 1994
Examples of Matters Investigated by FBI/OPR in FY 1994
Drug Enforcement Administration OPR
Statistical Summary of DEA/OPR Activities in FY 1994
Examples of Matters Investigated by DEA/OPR During FY 1994
Conclusion
__________________________________________
Tables
Table 1. Sources of Misconduct Complaints
Table 2. Subject Matter of Misconduct Complaints Received in FY 1994
by Attorney/Non-Attorney
Table 3. Results of Attorney Misconduct Investigations
Table 4. Disposition of FBI/OPR Matters Closed in FY 1994
Table 5. Agent/Non-Agent Disciplinary Actions, FY 1994
Table 6. Disciplinary Actions Involving DEA Employees
Office of Professional Responsibility
Fiscal Year 1994 Annual Report
Introduction
This is the nineteenth annual report of the Office of Professional Responsibility
of the U.S. Department of Justice. The Office was created by order of the
Attorney General dated December 9, 1975, in order to ensure that "Departmental
employees continue to perform their duties in accord with the professional
standards expected of the Nation's principal law enforcement agency." This
report is submitted pursuant to 28 C.F.R. § 0.39a(i)(3), which directs
the head of the Office, the Counsel on Professional Responsibility, to
report annually on the activities of the Office and the internal inspection
units in certain components of the Department. The report covers fiscal
year 1994 (October 1, 1993 - September 30, 1994).
Jurisdiction and Functions
The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is responsible for investigating
allegations of misconduct by Department of Justice employees in cases in
which the allegations implicate the prosecutive, investigative or litigative
functions of the Department.(1) In addition,
the Office undertakes the investigation of other matters when requested
or authorized to do so by the Attorney General or the Deputy Attorney General.
The results of OPR investigations are reported to appropriate management
officials in the Department of Justice, who are responsible for proposing
and implementing any disciplinary action which may be appropriate. In matters
in which the findings may warrant the imposition of discipline against
a Department attorney, OPR recommends a range of appropriate disciplinary
actions pursuant to a policy implemented during the 1994 fiscal year. OPR's
recommendation is not binding on the supervisory official with disciplinary
authority over the attorney involved.
The Office regularly reviews case files and statistical data to identify
any misconduct trends or systemic problems in the programs and operations
of the Department and its components. The Office also oversees on behalf
of the Attorney General the operations of the Offices of Professional Responsibility
in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration
(DEA). Those offices are responsible for the investigation of allegations
of misconduct by employees of the FBI and DEA, respectively. OPR oversees
the operations of the Offices of Professional Responsibility in the FBI
and DEA through the receipt of periodic reports and frequent contacts with
personnel in those offices.(2)
The Office increased its attorney staffing level during fiscal year
1994 with the addition of four attorneys. This brought the Office's attorney
complement to thirteen. Additional staffing was authorized for fiscal year
1995.
Significant Initiatives in Fiscal Year 1994
During fiscal year 1994, OPR continued to implement changes in its operations
in response to policy directives from the Attorney General and the Deputy
Attorney General designed to focus the Office's mission on the investigation
of allegations of attorney misconduct and related allegations involving
law enforcement personnel.
Changes in case tracking and reporting criteria: Significant revisions
were made during fiscal year 1994 to OPR's case tracking and reporting
methodology. Under the revised methodology, OPR no longer carries matters
in an open status when they are referred to the Office of Inspector General
or other components of the Department for investigation and when OPR is
simply monitoring the matter or awaiting notification of the results of
investigation. These changes, which are discussed further below, significantly
impacted the statistical data for the 1994 fiscal year.
Completion of Investigation Following Resignation or Retirement of Attorney:
During the year, the Office also implemented a new policy with respect
to attorney matters in which the subject of the allegations resigns or
retires prior to the completion of the investigation. Previously, OPR investigations
were with very few exceptions closed if the attorney involved resigned
or retired prior to completion of the inquiry. Under the policy implemented
in fiscal year 1994, OPR will complete its investigation in such cases
unless the Deputy Attorney General determines that no substantial Department
interest is furthered by continuing the investigation.
Public Disclosure of OPR Findings: During the fiscal year, the Department
implemented a policy providing for the public disclosure of the results
of OPR investigations in certain cases involving allegations of attorney
misconduct.(3) Under the policy, the Department
will disclose the results of certain OPR investigations, including those
involving a finding of intentional misconduct or involving an allegation
of serious professional misconduct in which there has been a demonstration
of public interest, where the public interest in
disclosure outweighs the privacy interest of the attorney and any law enforcement
interests. Disclosure can also be made at the request of the Department
attorney who was the subject of the allegations when disclosure would not
compromise law enforcement interests. Pursuant to the policy, the Deputy
Attorney General issued two public disclosure reports in fiscal year 1994.
Statistical Summary of OPR Activities in Fiscal Year 1994
As noted above, in fiscal year 1994 there were significant revisions to
OPR's case tracking and reporting methodology. The revisions were the result
of a change in management directives. Pursuant to a directive from former
Deputy Attorney General Arnold Burns, OPR previously included for case
tracking purposes all matters setting out allegations of misconduct against
Department employees in which OPR had a role in the investigation. This
included matters which OPR attorneys investigated themselves, as well as
other matters investigated by other Department components in which OPR
provided various degrees of assistance. These activities included matters
in which OPR directly supervised or monitored an inspection unit investigation,
matters in which OPR conducted joint investigations with an inspection
unit, matters in which OPR provided prosecutive opinions and legal advice
on the use of investigative techniques such as consensual monitoring of
telephone conversations, matters in which OPR reviewed the results of inquiries
by state bar licensing authorities into the conduct of Department attorneys,
and matters in which OPR reviewed attorney applicant background investigation
reports that contained misconduct issues and provided advice on the applicant's
suitability. The purpose was to attempt to capture in the case tracking
system OPR's workload and the variety of activities in which it was engaged.
As a result of a directive from former Deputy Attorney General Heymann,
OPR now generally counts for case tracking purposes only matters which
are directly investigated by OPR attorneys. Consequently, use of the revised
case tracking system has resulted in a substantial decrease in the number
of matters opened by OPR in fiscal year 1994 as compared to prior years.
Conversion to the revised methodology also resulted in an unusually large
number of case closings for the fiscal year. An additional aspect of Deputy
Attorney General Heymann's directive was the assignment in January of 1994
of 36 senior Department attorneys to OPR on a part-time basis. Each attorney
was assigned an average of four matters to investigate under the supervision
and guidance of OPR. The program continued through the 1994 fiscal year
and contributed to the number of matters closed during the period.
Matters Opened in Fiscal Year 1994: In fiscal year 1994, the Office opened
263 matters involving allegations of misconduct against Department of Justice
employees. The number of matters opened represented a 62% decrease from
the 685 matters opened in fiscal year 1993. An overwhelming portion of
the decrease was attributable to revisions in case reporting methodology
referred to above. In addition, the changes to OPR's jurisdiction resulting
from AG Order No. 1638-92 also had an impact on the number of new matters
opened.
Changes in case reporting and jurisdiction also impacted on the number
of attorney matters opened. During fiscal year 1994, OPR opened 211 matters
involving allegations of misconduct against Department attorneys. The number
of attorney matters initiated represented a 33% decrease from the 315 such
matters opened in fiscal year 1993. However, only a portion of the decrease
could be attributed to case reporting and jurisdictional changes and preliminary
figures on attorney matters for fiscal year 1995 appear to be generally
consistent with the fiscal year 1994 figures. Consequently, we believe
that the unusually high number of attorney matters received in fiscal year
1993 was an anomaly.
Overall, the number of complaints (involving both attorneys and non-attorneys)
received from various sources is set out in table 1, below. The percentage
of complaints falling into each source category is also provided.
Table 1. Sources of Misconduct Complaints
|
Sources of Misconduct Complaints
|
|
Source
|
Number of Complaints |
Percent of Total |
| Private parties |
87 |
33% |
| DOJ components & employees |
64 |
24% |
| Private attorneys |
37(4) |
14% |
| Judicial sources |
26 |
10% |
| Congressional referrals |
14 |
5% |
| Other agencies (incl. state) |
14 |
5% |
| Inmates/detainees |
12 |
5% |
| Other (including anonymous) |
9 |
4% |
The types of allegations in complaints of misconduct received by OPR in
fiscal year 1994 are reflected in table 2, below. The table includes the
number of complaints involving Department attorneys and non-attorney employees
in each category.
Table 2. Subject Matter of Misconduct Complaints Received in FY 1994
by Attorney/Non-Attorney
|
Subject Matter of Misconduct Complaints Received in FY 1994
by Attorney/Non-Attorney
|
|
Number of Complaints |
|
Alleged Misconduct
|
Complaints Against
Attorneys |
Complaints Against Non-Attorneys |
Total |
| Abuse of prosecutorial/investigative authority |
116 |
7 |
123 |
| Criminality |
24 |
26 |
50 |
| Unprofessional or unethical behavior |
28 |
3 |
31 |
| Conflict of interest |
14 |
1 |
15 |
| Unauthorized release of information (other than grand jury
or classified information) |
10 |
1 |
11 |
| Violation of civil or constitutional rights, including discrimination |
5 |
3 |
8 |
| Other (incl. negligence, alcohol-related matters, failure
to file tax returns, Hatch Act violations) |
14 |
11 |
25 |
Matters Closed in Fiscal Year 1994: In fiscal year 1994, OPR closed a total
of 1,411 matters. This figure included 628 matters closed administratively
which were being handled by the Office of the Inspector General and monitored
by OPR. Of the 783 remaining matters, 376 were non-attorney matters and
407 involved misconduct allegations against Department attorneys.
Allegations of misconduct were substantiated in 22, or about 5% of the
407 attorney matters closed during the year. Disciplinary actions were
taken against a total of 13 attorney employees. In addition, in six matters
involving substantiated allegations, the attorney employee resigned or
retired prior to the imposition of any discipline. In the remaining three
attorney matters, no disciplinary action was deemed appropriate.
The 22 substantiated attorney misconduct matters represented a significant
increase over the seven such matters reported in fiscal year 1993. The
increase was partially attributable to the greater number of attorney matters
closed during fiscal year 1994 (407 versus 243). A comparison of the results
of attorney misconduct matters in fiscal years 1993 and 1994 is set out
in table 3, below.
Table 3. Results of Attorney Misconduct Investigations
|
Results of Attorney Misconduct Investigations
|
|
No. of Matters
Closed
|
No. of Matters
Where Allegations
Substantiated
|
Percentage of
Matters Substantiated
|
|
1993
|
243 |
7 |
2.9% |
|
1994
|
407 |
22 |
5.4% |
Examples of Matters Investigated by OPR in FY 1994
(5)
A. Matters in which allegations were substantiated:
Public Criticism of the Court: OPR investigated allegations that a DOJ
attorney made a comment to the press about his dissatisfaction with the
sentence which the court had imposed on a convicted defendant. The DOJ
attorney admitted to OPR that he had made the statement to the press, but
contended that the statement did not impugn the integrity of the court.
The DOJ attorney further argued that he had a First Amendment right to
make the statement, so long as it was made after the conclusion of the
case and outside the courtroom. OPR was not persuaded by the DOJ attorney's
contentions and concluded that the allegations were substantiated. The
DOJ attorney was given a formal letter of reprimand.
Alerting a Friend to an On-Going Investigation: OPR investigated allegations
that a DOJ attorney had alerted a friend and former colleague that he was
the subject of a criminal investigation. OPR found that the DOJ attorney
had come to the conclusion that the case against the individual was weak,
and had contacted him in an effort to resolve the matter by advising him
to discontinue certain actions. However, the DOJ attorney had failed to
advise the investigative agency of his analysis and decision and, therefore,
it appeared that he was acting in bad faith. OPR concluded that the DOJ
attorney had exercised extremely bad judgment in creating an appearance
of wrongdoing. The DOJ attorney resigned prior to any disciplinary action
being taken.
Improper Use of Frequent Flyer Miles: OPR investigated allegations that
a DOJ attorney had been involved in a scheme to fraudulently obtain frequent
flier miles and that he also had improperly used frequent flier miles earned
while on government travel. OPR found that the DOJ attorney had not fraudulently
obtained frequent flyer miles but used government-earned mileage awards
improperly. OPR referred the matter to the DOJ attorney's division which
suspended him without pay for two days.
Failure
to Advise Court of Critical Information Related to Plea: OPR investigated
allegations that a DOJ attorney had failed to advise the court that a particular
plea agreement was conditional and that the defendant's right to appeal
the denial of a motion to suppress was to be preserved. As a result, the
court of appeals refused to hear the defendant's appeal. OPR determined
that both the DOJ attorney and the defense attorney had failed to properly
advise the court of the conditional nature of the plea. OPR also determined
that the DOJ attorney's failure was not a result of intentional misconduct,
but was negligent. OPR referred the matter to the DOJ attorney's supervisor
to address the negligence issue. The DOJ attorney resigned prior to the
imposition of any disciplinary action.
Submitting False Travel Voucher: OPR investigated allegations that a DOJ
attorney had submitted a false travel voucher and had been untruthful when
questioned about the voucher by his supervisor. The voucher at issue contained
an inconsistency: the rental car receipt indicated that the DOJ attorney
had returned on one day, while he claimed in the voucher that he had not
returned until the following day. When questioned by his supervisor, the
DOJ attorney admitted that not all the information was accurate because
the voucher was a "constructive voucher" which he claimed demonstrated
the authorized, rather than actual, period of travel. The DOJ attorney
took the position that it made no difference whether he returned from his
trip when the voucher indicated or at an earlier time. The supervisor informed
the DOJ attorney that his position was incorrect because, if he returned
a day earlier, he was required to attend work the next day. Since he had
not done so, he would be considered AWOL and would not be paid. Shortly
thereafter, the DOJ attorney submitted an amended travel voucher changing
the start date of the trip at issue but leaving unchanged the date of return.
In the course of OPR's investigation, the DOJ attorney claimed that he
had not lied to his supervisor but explained that the travel voucher was
"constructive on both ends." He also claimed that he told his supervisor
that he would not amend the voucher return date because, even though he
had returned earlier, he believed he was entitled to be paid for a travel
day and, if that required him to submit a "constructive" travel voucher,
he would do so. The DOJ attorney claimed that the supervisor had discriminated
against him in the past and was "hassling" him about the travel voucher.
OPR found that the DOJ attorney returned a day earlier than his travel
voucher reflected and that he submitted a false travel voucher after being
confronted by his supervisor. The fraudulent travel voucher resulted in
an overpayment to the DOJ attorney in the amount of $45.54. OPR concluded
that the DOJ attorney had lied to OPR, as well as to his supervisor. As
a result of his misconduct, the DOJ attorney was suspended without pay
for one week.
Presenting Improper Argument to
the Jury: OPR investigated whether a DOJ attorney engaged in misconduct
by arguing to the jury that it should not be misled by thinking that the
government could have called a certain witness to testify. OPR concluded
that the DOJ attorney had credible reasons for thinking that he might not
have been able to call the witness. However, OPR also found that his argument
to the jury implied something more, namely, that the government was definitively
unable
to call the witness. Accordingly, OPR concluded that the remark to the
jury constituted misconduct, but that there was insufficient evidence to
conclude that the misconduct was intentional because of the DOJ attorney's
misunderstanding, due to inexperience, of what kinds of arguments to a
jury are permissible. Based on OPR's report, the DOJ attorney was given
a letter of reprimand. Subsequently, the DOJ attorney voluntarily resigned.
Improper Use of DOJ Position: OPR investigated allegations that a DOJ attorney
prepared another person's application for a visa with a cover memorandum
on DOJ stationery. The DOJ attorney also included one of his DOJ business
cards in the submission. The foreign individual was seeking a visa in order
to enter the country to perform certain functions for a non-profit organization.
The DOJ attorney told OPR that he did not intend to gain preferential treatment
for the visa applicant by identifying himself as a DOJ attorney, but believed
his actions were consistent with what DOJ employees are permitted to do
on behalf of non-profit organizations. OPR concluded that the actions of
the DOJ attorney were improper, but not intentionally so. OPR reported
its findings to the employee's supervisors, and the employee was counselled.
Improper Use of DOJ Resources for Personal Business: OPR investigated allegations
that a DOJ attorney had improperly used DOJ office equipment and personnel
for personal matters and had been absent from work, without taking leave,
to tend to personal matters. OPR concluded that the DOJ attorney had used
certain office equipment for some personal business, but had not directed
any other employees to do any of his personal work. OPR also found that
the DOJ attorney had taken short periods of annual leave during the time
in question for his absences. OPR concluded that the DOJ attorney's conduct
constituted a minor infraction and he was counselled by a supervisor.
Improper Use of FTS Line for Personal Calls: OPR investigated allegations
that a DOJ attorney had used the government's FTS telephone line to make
numerous personal long distance calls to his children over a ten-year period.
OPR determined that records existed to confirm only those calls that had
been made during the last two of the ten years. OPR also determined that
the calls were improper under applicable regulations, but not intentionally
so because of a 1988 Justice Management Division memorandum which appeared
to permit brief daily calls, even if long distance, to children at home.
OPR referred its findings to the DOJ attorney's supervisor with the recommendation
that the DOJ attorney be counselled against any such further improper use
of the FTS line and that he be required to reimburse the government for
the approximately 160 calls which were verified to have been made, plus
a $10.00 administrative charge per call. OPR has confirmed with the DOJ
attorney's supervisor that he had paid the required restitution, as recommended
by OPR.
Unprofessional Behavior: A private attorney alleged that a DOJ attorney
engaged in unprofessional behavior in connection with discussions on a
stipulation agreement involving the use of collateral in a bankruptcy proceeding.
The complainant alleged that the Department attorney made comments of a
personal, unprofessional, and derogatory nature to associates of the complainant's
law firm and others on two separate occasions. It was claimed that the
DOJ attorney's remarks included statements that the complainant did not
know what he was doing, that he was an "idiot," that he was untrustworthy,
and that he was an "asshole."
The investigation substantiated that the DOJ attorney had, indeed, made
the disparaging remarks. It was also determined that there was an earlier
incident involving unprofessional conduct on the part of the DOJ attorney.
The DOJ attorney received a written reprimand.
Insubordination
and Issues of Credibility: OPR investigated allegations that a DOJ attorney
had engaged in conduct on several occasions that called into question his
truthfulness and integrity, such as: (i) providing an untruthful affidavit
and pleading in a federal criminal case; (ii) failing to be candid about
the affidavit and pleading in a conversation with a supervising DOJ attorney;
(iii) making misrepresentations to the supervising DOJ attorney and another
DOJ attorney regarding another matter; (iv) being insubordinate; and (v)
disclosing official information to the media without being authorized to
do so. OPR did not find sufficient evidence to support the conclusion that
the DOJ attorney had engaged in the alleged credibility-related misconduct
or to substantiate the leak allegation. Furthermore, OPR found reason to
question the bona fides of the allegations and the motivation of the supervising
attorney in referring the allegations to OPR. Although the DOJ attorney
admitted to being insubordinate to the supervising DOJ attorney, OPR concluded
that under the circumstances the conduct did not warrant any disciplinary
action.
Serving as Counsel for Relative in a Criminal Matter: OPR investigated
allegations that a DOJ attorney had engaged in misconduct by representing
a defendant in a state criminal case. It was alleged that the DOJ attorney
had entered an appearance on behalf of the defendant and had used his position
as a DOJ attorney to advance the defendant's case. It was also alleged
that, upon hearing that the local prosecutor would not accept the defendant's
proposed plea agreement, the DOJ attorney stated that he would try the
case. The DOJ attorney told OPR that the defendant was a member of the
DOJ attorney's family. The DOJ attorney admitted that he had contacted
the local prosecutor to discuss a possible plea and the merits of a certain
defense. The DOJ attorney also told OPR that he had called the court and
spoken with the judge to inquire about how the defendant could enter a
plea. The DOJ attorney also told OPR that he had made clear to the judge,
the local prosecutor and the defendant that he was not representing the
defendant. However, the DOJ attorney said that he viewed his actions in
the nature of pro bono work.
OPR found that it was not unreasonable for the local prosecutor to conclude
that the DOJ attorney was acting as the defendant's legal representative
since many of his actions were consistent with those typically performed
by a defendant's attorney. Although OPR did not consider the DOJ attorney's
actions to constitute intentional misconduct, OPR recommended that he be
counselled regarding the regulations governing pro bono work
by DOJ attorneys.
B. Matters in which allegations were found to be unsubstantiated:
Inappropriate Comments
to the Grand Jury: OPR investigated allegations that a DOJ attorney had
mistreated two witnesses while questioning them and had made inappropriate
comments about the witnesses to the grand jury when the witnesses were
not present. It was also alleged that the DOJ attorney acted unprofessionally
by criticizing his support personnel several times in front of the grand
jury and by being consistently late, without excuse or apology. OPR concluded
that the DOJ attorney's questioning of the two witnesses, who were clearly
hostile to the government, was competent and professional. OPR also found
that the DOJ attorney had made some gratuitous, plainly inadvisable comments
to the grand jury during breaks about witnesses and support personnel.
However, OPR concluded that those remarks were not intended to inflame
or prejudice the grand jury in matters before them and did not constitute
misconduct. Through its investigation and interviews with a number of the
grand jurors, OPR was struck by the level of hostility expressed by the
grand jurors toward the DOJ attorney. OPR identified a number of factors
that contributed to the grand jurors' general dissatisfaction, including
(i) frustration by the inefficient use of their time; (ii) the lack of
any mechanism in the district for the grand jurors to express their frustrations
with DOJ attorneys who appeared before them and/or to ask questions; (iii)
the grand jurors' dislike of the DOJ attorney's personality, which may
have been rooted in certain prejudices. OPR recommended that the district's
grand jury coordinator be assigned the role of assisting the grand jury
on a regular basis in resolving scheduling problems and responding to other
questions and concerns as they arose.
Inappropriate Behavior During Trial: In the course of a discrimination
case, the defendant's attorney alleged that a DOJ attorney made a specific,
inappropriate, offensive and discriminatory comment to him in a telephone
conversation. The complainant further alleged that the DOJ attorney behaved
in a dictatorial and bullying manner during the litigation, trying to force
the defendant into a settlement. The complainant also alleged that the
DOJ attorney may have violated the Hatch Act by writing speeches for a
politician while employed by the Department. The DOJ attorney admitted
making the specific comment, but in an entirely different context than
that alleged by the complainant. As a result of his admission, the DOJ
attorney's supervisors removed him from the case, and officially reprimanded
him. The complainant was informed that the Department had taken appropriate
remedial action and had reassigned the litigation.
The complainant was not satisfied by the Department's response and claimed
that the Department was "covering up" the matter. The complainant demanded
that the Department hold a public hearing. Those allegations were referred
to OPR and OPR conducted an inquiry into both the underlying allegations
regarding the actions of the DOJ attorney in the litigation, and the allegation
of a "cover-up" by the Department. In addition, in the course of OPR's
investigation, the DOJ attorney's supervisor alleged that the DOJ attorney
lied in his written response to OPR by inaccurately reporting to OPR that
he had advised his several reviewers and supervisors of his telephone conversation
with the complainant, including the alleged discriminatory comment, immediately
after it took place. OPR investigated that allegation as well.
While there was no dispute that the DOJ attorney had made the alleged discriminatory
comment during his telephone conversation with the complainant, OPR found
no evidence to corroborate either the complainant's or the DOJ attorney's
account of the context in which the statement was made. However, OPR found
the DOJ attorney's version of the conversation to be the more plausible,
and found the DOJ attorney to be entirely credible during OPR's interview
of him. OPR found the complainant's allegation that the DOJ attorney had
acted in a bullying and dictatorial manner to be unsubstantiated in light
of the failure of the complainant, in his interview with OPR, to provide
sufficient evidence to support his allegation. Moreover, the complainant
provided no independent corroboration to support his allegation that the
DOJ attorney had participated in political activities and the DOJ attorney
denied having had any involvement in political activities while employed
by the Department. Therefore, OPR concluded that the complainant's allegations
that the DOJ attorney engaged in misconduct were unsubstantiated. OPR also
concluded that the Department had not engaged in a "cover-up," but found
that the Department had responded promptly and appropriately to the complainant's
allegations. Finally, OPR found the allegation that the DOJ attorney had
lied in his written submission to OPR to be unsubstantiated, finding as
credible the DOJ attorney's statement to OPR that he notified his supervisors
and reviewers of his conversation with the complainant shortly after it
occurred.
Instructing an Agent
to Alter Reports: OPR investigated allegations made by a law enforcement
agent that a DOJ attorney had instructed the agent to alter a report of
an interview to include statements that the witness had not made and directed
the agent to selectively document pretrial interviews of witnesses, in
order to avoid the creation of potentially exculpatory statements. During
the trial, the DOJ attorney requested that the agent be replaced because
of a personality conflict. OPR concluded that the allegations were wholly
without merit. Moreover, OPR concluded that the fact that the agent would
make such baseless allegations raised serious management concerns about
his judgment, bias and ability to perform his duties. OPR referred the
matter to the agent's supervisors for appropriate action.
Failure
to Advise Court of Lack of Any Legal Basis for Indictment: OPR investigated
findings of a court of appeals that the government had been derelict in
failing to inform the district court that there was no case law supporting
charges in an indictment. The court of appeals vacated and remanded the
district court's decision denying the defendant's presentence motion to,
among other things, dismiss certain counts of an indictment on the grounds
that the counts failed to charge an offense. The defendant, who had pled
guilty, also moved to withdraw his guilty plea. In a case of first impression,
the appellate court agreed that the statute in question did not cover the
facts at issue and reversed. The court of appeals then found that, although
defense counsel was late in discovering that his client had been wrongfully
convicted, the government should have informed the district court of the
lack of legal authority for the indictment.
OPR concluded that the DOJ attorney handling the case had engaged in no
misconduct. OPR found that the district court had denied the defendant's
motion without awaiting the government's response. In addition, the defendant's
motion had informed the district court that there was no case law supporting
the application of the statute to the facts at issue. Furthermore, on appeal,
the government informed the court of appeals that there was no reported
decision directly on point. Based on those facts and circumstances, OPR
found that the DOJ attorney was not remiss or derelict in any way in failing
to inform the district court that there was no case law supporting the
charges in question.
Representing Family Member at Deposition in Private Litigation: OPR investigated
allegations that a DOJ attorney improperly, and on DOJ time, was acting
as counsel to a former employee of a corporation who was deposed in connection
with a lawsuit brought against the company by a competitor. The complainant
asked whether the DOJ attorney was allowed to represent non-government
clients, and whether he was permitted to use the authority and facilities
of DOJ to do so. The complainant also asserted that the former employee
and the DOJ attorney had disclosed confidential company information and
that the former employee had attempted, "presumably on the advice of" the
DOJ attorney, to persuade other employees to breach their employment agreements.
During the inquiry, OPR learned that the former employee was the spouse
of the DOJ attorney. OPR also learned that the DOJ attorney had taken annual
leave in order to attend the deposition in question. OPR concluded that,
since the United States was not a party to the lawsuit, the actions of
the DOJ attorney were permitted by DOJ's standards of conduct. OPR also
determined that the allegations that the DOJ attorney had breached the
company's confidentiality and advised his spouse to encourage others to
breach their employment agreements were unsupported.
Unauthorized Disclosure to Defense Counsel: OPR investigated allegations
that a DOJ attorney had made unauthorized disclosures of investigative
information to a defense attorney who allegedly was a friend of the DOJ
attorney. The disclosures allegedly included the names of individuals under
investigation and the identities of the investigators. The complainants
stated that the DOJ attorney acknowledged that the defense attorney was
a close friend of his, and pointed out that the defense attorney often
represented individuals who were subjects of investigations which he supervised.
Through its investigation, OPR established that there was no evidence that
the DOJ attorney had made improper disclosures of information. OPR found
that the limited discussions between the defense attorney and the DOJ attorney
were appropriate in the investigative context. OPR also noted, and reported
to the DOJ attorney's supervisor, that an extremely distrustful and contentious
relationship existed between the DOJ attorney and the investigators, and
that that antagonism was adversely affecting law enforcement efforts.
Failure
to Disclose Newly-Discovered Brady Material: OPR investigated an allegation
that a DOJ attorney had failed to disclose Brady material in the
trial of a defendant on drug distribution charges. A sibling of the defendant
had also been arrested and had pled guilty. As part of the government's
case, an agent was called to testify that a search had been made for tax
returns filed by the defendant or his sibling and that there was no record
that either of them had ever filed tax returns. During a break just prior
to closing arguments, the DOJ attorney mentioned the testimony of the agent
to another investigative officer. That officer disagreed with the agent's
testimony and told the DOJ attorney that he had seen two tax returns filed
by the defendant's sibling during the investigation of another case. The
DOJ attorney telephoned the IRS and asked for verification of the information
provided by the officer. According to the DOJ attorney, he was skeptical
of the officer's statements because the original search was believed to
be accurate and, based on his prior experience with the agent, he knew
the agent to be highly reliable. On the other hand, the DOJ attorney knew
nothing about the officer who was the source of the contrary report. The
DOJ attorney decided not to advise the court or defense counsel of the
officer's claims and proceeded to make his closing argument wherein he
referred to the agent's testimony that neither the defendant nor his sibling
had filed tax returns. The defendant was convicted. The following day,
the DOJ attorney learned that the defendant's sibling had indeed filed
tax returns. He immediately telephoned the defendant's attorney and the
court and advised them of the facts. The defendant's attorney filed a motion
for a new trial based on new evidence. The court denied the motion, finding
that the tax returns were not material to the defendant's guilt or innocence.
OPR concluded that the DOJ attorney did not act unethically in deciding
not to disclose the officer's unconfirmed report to the defense or the
court prior to the closing argument. OPR found that the DOJ attorney did
not know whether the officer's report was reliable or whether the tax returns
he claimed to have seen had actually been filed with the IRS. On the other
hand, the DOJ attorney had compelling evidence of non-filing based on the
original search and the sworn testimony of a trusted IRS agent. In addition,
OPR found that the DOJ attorney took prompt corrective action when he learned
that the defendant's sibling had in fact filed tax returns. Under the circumstances,
OPR concluded that the DOJ attorney committed no misconduct.
Operations of Federal Bureau of Investigation OPR
and Drug Enforcement Administration OPR
In addition to the functions described in the preceding sections, OPR assists
and oversees the operations of the Offices of Professional Responsibility
in the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Consistent with 28 C.F.R. § 0.39a(i)(3), which calls for the Counsel
to prepare an annual report "reviewing and evaluating the activities of
internal inspection units" in the Department of Justice, this section summarizes
the operations of and significant developments in those offices in fiscal
year 1994.
Federal Bureau of Investigation,
Office of Professional Responsibility
During fiscal year 1994, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Office of
Professional Responsibility (FBI/OPR) was responsible for the investigation
of allegations of misconduct against the FBI's 23,319 employees, including
9,779 Special Agents. The office is part of the Bureau's Inspection Division
and reports to FBI leadership through the Assistant Director of the Inspection
Division. In fiscal year 1994 the office's professional staff consisted
of a Deputy Assistant Director, a Unit Chief, and six Supervisory Special
Agents. Two additional Supervisory Special Agent positions were added to
the FBI/OPR staff at the beginning of the fiscal year, bringing the complement
to eight, but by the end of the fiscal year efforts to reassign agents
from headquarters to the field had again reduced the staff to six Supervisory
Special Agents. A portion of the matters handled by FBI/OPR are referred
to the field for investigation under FBI/OPR supervision.
Significant Initiatives in Fiscal Year 1994: Two policy changes
adopted by FBI Director Louis J. Freeh during fiscal year 1994 had notable
impact on the FBI's Office of Professional Responsibility. First, in a
policy directive dated January 3, 1994, the Director announced a "bright
line" policy with respect to the standards of conduct applicable to all
FBI employees. The policy reaffirmed that the FBI's continued effectiveness
depended upon maintaining high standards of integrity and provided that
misconduct will be promptly investigated and punished. The directive specified
that dismissal from the FBI would be sought for such offenses as lying
under oath, failure to cooperate during an administrative inquiry, voucher
fraud, theft of government funds or property, material falsification, and
unauthorized disclosure of information, and that the penalties for other
types of misconduct would also be increased.
On February 23, 1994, the Director announced a major policy change delegating
to senior managers in the field and at FBI headquarters the responsibility
for adjudicating many cases of misconduct which according to FBI precedent
call for a penalty of suspension of 14 days or less. This initiative was
designed to minimize the time required to process disciplinary matters.
Previously all such matters were adjudicated centrally by the Administrative
Summary Unit in the Personnel Division (ASU/PD). FBI/OPR retained the responsibility
of conducting or overseeing the investigation of allegations of serious
misconduct.
The delegation order identified 19 categories of offenses that will continue
to be adjudicated solely by ASU/PD, such as discriminatory conduct (including
sexual harassment), drug-related misconduct, failure to cooperate or lack
of candor during an administrative inquiry, voucher fraud or other falsification
of reports, shooting-related matters, theft, and felony arrests. FBI/OPR
reviews completed investigative files for sufficiency and completeness
in all matters. The office also reviews investigative files to determine
whether the matter involves an offense which requires referral to ASU/PD
for adjudication.
The delegation initiative has affected FBI/OPR in two principal ways. First,
it has increased FBI/OPR's advisory function since managers adjudicating
misconduct cases seek guidance on procedures and precedent from FBI/OPR.
In addition, the delegation has required FBI/OPR to take on a new, evaluative
role by assessing the penalty likely to be applied to an offense. In some
cases, specific penalties are prescribed by statute or internal policy.
In other cases, the determination is made by referring to FBI disciplinary
case precedent. A list of 274 cases categorized by type of allegation and
nature of penalty was distributed with the delegation order as a guide.
If FBI/OPR concludes that a matter can be appropriately addressed by a
letter of censure or a suspension of 14 days or less, the adjudication
is made by a manager under the delegation. If the misconduct calls for
dismissal, demotion or suspension for more than 14 days, the case must
be adjudicated by the Administrative Summary Unit/Personnel Division.
Statistical Summary of FBI/OPR Activities in Fiscal Year 1994: In
fiscal year 1994, FBI/OPR reported that it opened 535 matters involving
allegations of misconduct against FBI employees. This number represented
an increase of only 4.5% over the number of allegations received in fiscal
year 1993. The office closed 580 matters (an increase of 23.7% over fiscal
year 1993), and 408 matters were pending at the end of the reporting period.
While the total number of allegations increased only slightly, FBI/OPR
reported a marked increase over fiscal year 1993 in the number of allegations
in certain categories. For example, FBI/OPR received 81 allegations of
unauthorized disclosure of information in fiscal year 1994 versus only
12 such allegations in fiscal year 1993. Drug-related allegations increased
from 11 in fiscal year 1993 to 28 in fiscal year 1994. These increases
may be the result of the increased emphasis placed on reporting of misconduct
allegations under the "bright line" policy, as well as more stringent scrutiny
of employees' reports of pre-employment drug use.
Types of Allegations: FBI/OPR matters opened during fiscal year
1994 involved a wide variety of allegations. The largest number of matters
was categorized as allegations of unprofessional conduct. This category,
which accounted for 131 allegations against Special Agents and 31 allegations
against other employees, encompasses a wide variety of alleged misconduct
from complaints of discrimination to use of improper management methods.
A significant number of matters also involved allegations of unauthorized
disclosure of information, misuse of position, drug abuse or drug-related
violations, and misuse of government vehicles.
During fiscal year 1994, 108 employees of the FBI became the subjects of
federal or local law enforcement investigations. Fifty-eight employees
were arrested for violations of criminal or traffic law. Seventeen of these
employees were arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI)/driving under
the influence (DUI), and one was arrested after a high speed chase. The
remaining 40 employees were arrested on a variety of criminal charges including
assault/ battery, shoplifting, and disorderly conduct.
Disposition of FBI/OPR
Matters: Of the 580 matters reported closed by FBI/OPR in fiscal year
1994, 145 matters were closed administratively. This number included 43
cases in which the subject employee resigned and 22 cases in which the
subject employee retired prior to conclusion of investigative activity
or imposition of discipline. In addition, 80 cases were administratively
closed because the complaints were withdrawn, investigation revealed that
they were baseless, or for similar reasons.
The remaining 435 cases closed by FBI/OPR in fiscal year 1994 were adjudicated
either by ASU/PD (399 cases) or by Field and Division managers under the
delegation order (36 cases). Allegations of misconduct were substantiated
in 352 of the cases closed by FBI/OPR in fiscal year 1994. Table 4 shows
the disposition of matters closed by FBI/OPR in fiscal year 1994.
Table 4. Disposition of FBI/OPR Matters Closed in FY 1994.
|
Disposition of FBI/OPR Matters Closed in FY 1994
|
| Closed Administratively by FBI/OPR |
|
|
| Subject resigned |
43 |
|
| Subject retired |
22 |
|
Allegations found to be baseless,
withdrawn, or closed for other reasons |
80 |
|
| Subtotal: |
|
145 |
| Adjudicated by Field/Division Managers |
36 |
|
| Adjudicated by ASU/PD |
399 |
|
| Subtotal: |
|
435 |
| Total: |
|
580 |
FBI/OPR reported that a total of 461 disciplinary actions resulted from
cases investigated by the office in fiscal year 1994. This number exceeds
the number of cases adjudicated in fiscal year 1994 because some matters
involved more than one employee. In addition, some employees received more
than one form of discipline, e.g., a suspension and a period of probation.
As a result of misconduct substantiated by FBI/OPR investigations, 232
employees received letters of censure; 91 were placed on probation; 104
were suspended without pay; 2 were demoted; and 32 were dismissed from
their positions. In addition, 149 other corrective actions such as oral
reprimands, counselling or additional training were taken as a result of
FBI/OPR investigations. Table 5 shows the number of disciplinary actions
of each type that involved Special Agents and other FBI employees.
Table 5. Agent/Non-Agent Disciplinary Actions, FY 1994
|
Agent/Non-Agent Disciplinary Actions, FY 1994(6)
|
| Type of Action |
Special Agents |
Non-Agents |
Total |
| Letters of censure |
138 |
94 |
232 |
| Placed on probation |
49 |
42 |
91 |
| Suspensions |
66 |
38 |
104 |
| Demotions |
2 |
0 |
2 |
| Dismissals |
6 |
26 |
32 |
| Total: |
261 |
200 |
461 |
Examples of Matters Investigated by FBI/OPR in Fiscal Year 1994:
Theft of Evidence and Drug Trafficking: The FBI initiated a drug trafficking
investigation aimed at identifying the person or persons who were attempting
to sell heroin to several individuals already under investigation by the
FBI because of their drug trafficking activities. As a result of the investigation,
an agent was identified, and subsequently determined to have removed heroin
and cocaine from an FBI evidence control center, which he then attempted
to sell to drug traffickers. The agent identified the drug traffickers
through internal FBI records and mailed them heroin samples and offers
to sell the drug to them. The agent was confronted with the results of
the investigation and confessed to having stolen the heroin from the evidence
control room. He was subsequently dismissed from the rolls of the FBI,
arrested, and charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin. The agent was
sentenced to 300 months incarceration, fined $2,500 plus a special assessment
of $250, and given 5 years supervised probation.
Driving Under the
Influence of Alcohol: An FBI agent driving a government vehicle late at
night struck and killed a pedestrian walking along the side of the road.
Upon arriving at his residence, the agent called 911 and reported hitting
"something or someone" with his vehicle. Police officers responding to
the SA's residence detected the odor of alcohol and requested the SA take
a "breathalizer" test, which he refused. Other responding officers located
a man's body in the vicinity of the incident reported by the agent. A "six-pack"
of beer was located beside the victim. The agent was arrested by the police
officers and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, failure
to drive in the designated lane, and vehicular homicide. He retired prior
to initiation of disciplinary action.
Theft of Property: FBI/OPR initiated an investigation into the unexplained
disappearance of over $2,000 in cash from an evidence vault. Early investigation
focused on the persons with access to the vault. After exhausting other
logical investigative steps, the principal and back-up evidence control
technicians were administered voluntary polygraph examinations. The principal
evidence control technician showed deception in responding to questions
concerning the missing money. During a subsequent polygraph examination,
the technician confessed to stealing the missing money and resigned from
the FBI. The case was referred to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The former
employee agreed to make full restitution, pled guilty to one misdemeanor
count of theft of government property, and was sentenced to probation.
Report of Improper Gratuities: The FBI received an anonymous letter alleging
that an agent was living in a home provided by an FBI vendor and that the
agent and other FBI employees had accepted an expensive dinner from a businessman
in appreciation for their work on a case. The investigation determined
that the agent's living arrangement was not improper, in that the owner
of the residence was a personal friend who had no connection to the FBI.
No administrative action was taken against the agent on those grounds.
However, the investigation also determined that the agents and employees
who attended the dinner exercised poor judgment in accepting the invitation
without first consulting with an FBI ethics officer. The agents involved
received disciplinary actions ranging from counseling on the ethical prohibition
on accepting gratuities for the nonsupervisory staff to a letter of censure
for the highest ranking supervisor present at the dinner.
Suspected Alcohol Abuse: An agent was requested by an airline ground supervisor
to surrender his weapon to the captain of a commercial airliner and was
removed from the flight because some members of the crew allegedly detected
the smell of alcohol on his breath. The matter was reported to the FBI
by the Federal Aviation Administration. The FBI interviewed the airline
personnel, some of whom stated that the smell of alcohol on the agent's
breath was pervasive and that his eyes gave the appearance of alcohol consumption.
The airline personnel indicated that the agent comported himself in a courteous
manner, although he questioned the motivation for removing him from the
flight. The captain of the aircraft never spoke with the agent. In his
interview with FBI/OPR, the agent was adamant in his denial that he had
consumed alcohol prior to the mid-day flight. He advised that he had consumed
several mixed drinks the night before the flight and that he felt ill from
his breakfast the morning of the flight. The agent also advised that his
eyes are naturally bloodshot and that that condition may have given the
airline crew the impression that he was under the influence of alcohol.
He volunteered to take a polygraph examination. After reviewing all the
witness statements, the FBI concluded that the allegations of misconduct
were unsubstantiated.
Lack of Candor Alleged: FBI/OPR investigated an allegation that an agent
had purposely deceived a supervisory official about the operational status
of a federal/local task force. The agent leased an off-site location for
the task force and assigned a number of FBI agents to work there. However,
the local police officers who were to make up a portion of the task force
were not promptly assigned due to delays in obtaining a memorandum of understanding.
When the supervisor visited the task force office, the agent allegedly
had a coworker invite a number of police officers to be present so as to
give the impression that the task force was operational. The agent denied
the allegations, but statements from a number of coworkers substantiated
the allegations. The agent retired during the course of the inquiry and
the matter was administratively closed.
Drug Enforcement Administration
Office of Professional Responsibility
The Drug Enforcement Administration's Office of Professional Responsibility
(DEA/OPR), a component of the Inspection Division, is responsible for investigating
misconduct allegations against employees of the DEA. At the end of fiscal
year 1994, DEA/OPR had 30 full-time employees, including 24 full-time inspectors
to serve a total of 6,871 DEA employees. In addition to the headquarters
office, DEA/OPR maintains branch offices in Los Angeles and Miami.
Statistical Summary of DEA/OPR Activities in Fiscal Year 1994.
During the fiscal year, DEA/OPR opened a total of 344 new matters and closed
271 matters. The number of matters pending at the end of the fiscal year
rose 19% to 443 matters. The number of employees disciplined by DEA in
matters related to DEA/OPR investigations is shown in table 6.
Table 6. Disciplinary Actions Involving DEA Employees
| Disciplinary Actions Involving
DEA Employees
FY 93 - FY 94
|
| Type of Action |
FY '93 |
FY '94 |
| Letters of Reprimand |
20
|
10
|
| Suspensions |
38
|
58
|
| Demotions |
2
|
0
|
| Terminations |
5
|
5
|
| Total: |
65(7)
|
73(8)
|
The types of misconduct allegations most frequently investigated during
the year included unauthorized disclosure of information, theft, misuse
of government vehicles or other property, improper relationship with known
criminals and informants, other unprofessional conduct (including sexual
harassment, insubordination, falsifying records, and abuse of authority),
and drug and alcohol related offenses.
Examples of Matters Investigated by DEA/OPR During Fiscal Year 1994:
Theft of Government Funds: The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigative
Division, detected a pattern of suspicious bank deposits by a DEA agent.
The IRS noted that the agent had opened a new account and made a number
of cash deposits of several thousand dollars each, all made with $100 bills.
The agent and his wife, who was also a DEA employee, were both placed in
a non-duty status. DEA/OPR participated in an extensive investigation involving
freezing and examining the couple's bank accounts, safe deposit boxes,
mutual funds and investment accounts. As a result of the investigation,
it was discovered that the agent had stolen $700,000 in currency during
an undercover money laundering investigation. The agent was found to have
deposited $400,000 in various safe deposit boxes, and invested other sums
in gold, jewelry, real estate, and other assets.
Both employees resigned from DEA and signed an agreement to make restitution.
The agent who stole the money pled guilty to theft of government funds
and was sentenced to 24 months incarceration, 36 months supervised release,
and a fine of $25,000. His wife was not charged.
Alleged Misuse of Official Position: An attorney complained that a DEA
agent had used his position to obtain sensitive information for use against
the attorney's client, who was involved in litigation with the DEA agent.
DEA/OPR investigated the matter and confirmed that the agent had obtained
information on the client through an intelligence data base, telephone
company records obtained through subpoena, and police records obtained
through deceptive means. The agent was removed from his position.
Positive Drug Test Result: A DEA employee selected for random drug testing
under the DEA's Drug Deterrence Program tested positive for the presence
of cocaine metabolites. The employee reported taking a number of prescription
and non-prescription medications under medical supervision, but denied
any other drug use. A medical officer determined that the employee's use
of the identified drugs would not have caused the positive test result.
The employee's removal was proposed, but the employee resigned prior to
issuance of a final decision.
Suspected False Statements and Misuse of Government Vehicle: A DEA employee
was involved in a minor automobile accident while driving an assigned government
vehicle off duty. Although the employee told a DEA supervisor that he was
alone in the vehicle, an inquiry revealed that he was accompanied by family
members and on a personal errand at the time of the accident. In addition,
records indicated that the employee had purchased gasoline for the vehicle
on non-duty days on numerous occasions. The employee was suspended for
60 days without pay.
Unauthorized Disclosure of Sensitive Information: FBI sources forwarded
to the DEA a complaint alleging that a DEA agent had obtained sensitive
information on numerous individuals and released the information to an
acquaintance. DEA/OPR investigated and learned that the agent had obtained
criminal history information on at least six individuals and disclosed
the information to the acquaintance. The inquiry also revealed that the
agent had queried an intelligence database on three individuals, but the
agent denied releasing the results of those queries. The DEA employee was
suspended without pay for five days.
Conclusion
We are pleased to report that in fiscal year 1994, Department employees,
and particularly Department attorneys, continued to perform their duties
in accordance with the professional standards expected of the Nation's
principal law enforcement agency. During the period, OPR's mission focused
on the investigation of allegations of attorney and law enforcement agent
misconduct arising from the prosecutive, investigative and litigative functions
of the Department. The number of matters opened involving allegations of
misconduct by Department attorneys decreased significantly from the 1993
fiscal year. The decrease appears to be attributable to changes in jurisdiction
and case reporting methodology, as well as an unusually high number of
attorney matters opened in the previous fiscal year. Although it is not
reflected in the statistical data, during this fiscal year OPR received
an increased number of complex cases involving allegations of attorney
misconduct.
Also during this fiscal year, OPR implemented a number of policy initiatives.
These included a policy under which OPR completes investigations in matters
where the subject attorney resigns or retires prior to completion of the
investigation and a policy under which the results of OPR investigations
are disclosed to the public in certain cases. The full impact of these
changes and their ultimate effect on OPR's workload will be not be known
until later years.
The Offices of Professional Responsibility of the FBI and DEA performed
their integrity-related functions in an effective manner. Those offices
fully complied with OPR's reporting requirements and continued to consult
with this Office on an ongoing basis on matters of significance.
In the case of the FBI, although there was a slight increase in the number
of allegations received during the fiscal year, there was a substantial
increase in the number of employees disciplined for serious misconduct.
This increase appears partly attributable to the Director's "bright line"
policy regarding the enforcement of the standards of conduct. In addition,
at the close of the fiscal year, FBI/OPR's Supervisory Special Agent staff
totaled six full-time employees. We believe that this staffing level was
not adequate to address FBI/OPR's substantial caseload and note that additional
staffing was subsequently authorized. We will review FBI/OPR's employee
resources, as well as the effects of the FBI's field delegation policy,
in connection with our annual report for fiscal year 1995.
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----- footnotes ------
1. Attorney General Order No. 1638-92
dated December 11, 1992. Shortly after the close of fiscal year 1994, the
order was superseded by Attorney General Order No. 1931-94 dated November
8, 1994. The new order provides that OPR is responsible for the investigation
of allegations of misconduct by Department attorneys which relate to their
authority to investigate, litigate and provide legal advice, as well as
allegations of misconduct by law enforcement personnel when they are related
to allegations of misconduct by attorneys within the jurisdiction of OPR.
2. Because of changes in OPR's jurisdiction
and its focus on the investigation of litigation-related professional misconduct,
in fiscal year 1994 the Office discontinued its general oversight of the
internal inspection units in the Bureau of Prisons, Immigration and Naturalization
Service, and United States Marshals Service, whose activities are now generally
overseen by the Office of the Inspector General. Consequently, beginning
with this report OPR has discontinued reporting on the operations of the
internal inspection units in those components of the Department.
3. The policy was announced in a December
13, 1993 memorandum from then Deputy Attorney General Philip Heymann.
4. Of the 37 complaints received from
private attorneys, 33 involved allegations of misconduct against Department
attorneys.
5. All of the subjects in the cases discussed
below are referred to by the masculine pronoun regardless of the gender
of individual subjects in order to protect their privacy.
6. Statistics for disciplinary actions
in prior fiscal years did not distinguish actions against Special Agents
from actions against other employees.
7. This total represents the number of
actions taken in fiscal year 1993 in the four specified disciplinary categories.
The total number of employees subject to administrative actions of all
types as a result of DEA/OPR investigations, as reported in this Office's
report for fiscal year 1993, was 101. This figure included 35 employees
who received letters of caution and one non-DEA employee who was removed
from a task force as a result of a DEA/OPR investigation.
8. In addition, 27 DEA employees received
letters of caution as a result of DEA/OPR investigations.