FBI association opposes new intelligence agency
An association of current and former FBI agents publicly stated its opposition this week to the creation of a new centralized domestic intelligence agency that would take over some activities performed by the bureau.
The FBI Agents Association said creating such an agency would ignore the criminal nature of terrorism, place the nation at risk and undermine federal law enforcement efforts by adding unnecessary layers of bureaucracy.
"The FBIAA believes a fully integrated and seamless intelligence and counterterrorism investigative organization embodied by the FBI is the most effective means to neutralize the terrorist threats," association president Fred Bragg said. "Rather than talking about creating a whole new bureaucracy in government, policy-makers should look to strengthen proven legal tools and provide the funding resources necessary to wage this ongoing battle against terror."
The association does not speak for the FBI, but is comprised of nearly 9,000 current and more than 2,000 former agents. On Tuesday, it released a letter sent in December to Rep. Christopher Cox, R-Calif., chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee.
"Creating a centralized domestic intelligence agency will not help protect our nation," the letter stated. "There can be no substitute for seasoned law enforcement experience within the intelligence discipline, and the creation of a centralized domestic intelligence agency can only jeopardize the progress we have made in our war against terrorism."
The organization added that it would take years to develop the infrastructure and investigative capabilities that already exist within the FBI. The association said it released the letter in response to recent hearings held by the federal commission investigating the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks is responsible for examining failures that led to the attacks and making recommendations to prevent future ones. Staff reports from the commission this week outlined deficiencies within the FBI and Central Intelligence Agency that prevented the agencies from piecing together the Sept. 11 plot before it happened.
Commissioners are considering recommendations to create a new intelligence agency that would perform domestic counterterrorism activities now done by the FBI, as well as a new director of national intelligence that would manage the government's 15 intelligence agencies.
The New York Times reported Friday that the White House is considering possible changes within the FBI, including the creation of a new directorate responsible for domestic intelligence gathering and analysis. Creating a new agency is also being discussed, but was seen as less likely to be embraced, officials said.
In a nationally televised press conference Tuesday, President Bush said he is open for suggestions to reform the U.S. intelligence community.
"What I'm saying is let the discussions begin, and I won't prejudge the conclusion," Bush said. "As the president, I will encourage and foster these kinds of discussions because one of the jobs of the president is to leave behind a legacy that will enable other presidents to better deal with the threat that we face."
Cox vowed on Tuesday to work with Bush to solve intelligence problems. "The 9/11 commission has focused America's attention on a simple truth: The terrorists could not have succeeded if our intelligence collection, analysis and sharing mechanisms, as well as our transportation security systems, had been up to par," he said.
"The lesson of 9/11 for the intelligence establishment is that business as usual is no longer acceptable," he added. "Instead of protecting their turf, our intelligence agencies need to be doing a better job of sharing their information."
FBI Director Robert Mueller told the Sept. 11 commission on Wednesday that he believes creating a new domestic intelligence agency would be "a grave mistake."