The Federal Bureau of Investigation should remain “the key
domestic intelligence agency responsible for terrorism,
counterintelligence, cyber and transnational crimes and
other top national security threats,” according to a new
report form the National Academy of Public Administration
that offers qualified praise for the department’s
transformation efforts.
The FBI has improved its counterterrorism program
significantly by working with federal, state and local law
enforcement and better integrating intelligence into its
mission, but lagging IT development is hurting management
functions and slowing the transformation effort, said the
report, available at www.napawash.org.
“Transforming the FBI: Progress and Challenges” produced
by a panel chaired by former attorney general Dick
Thornburgh, offers findings and recommendations related
to counterterrorism, intelligence and security, and is
partly based on reports from congressional intelligence
committees, the 9/11 commission and others, according
to NAPA.
Other recommendations include expanding joint operations
beyond counterterrorism to other law enforcement
activities, increasing emphasis on a wide range of
HR needs.
Next, panel plans to examine the FBI’s office of
intelligence, long-term resource planning and budgeting
and bureau-wide HR management and field structure.
