The NSD faces increased responsibilities in its mission to conduct oversight of the intelligence and counterintelligence activities of the FBI, as well as those of other intelligence agencies, as appropriate, to ensure adherence to the Constitution and applicable laws of the United States.  In July 2007, the Department announced that a significant new national security and oversight effort would be implemented by the NSD.  To meet this mandate, Justice Department attorneys for the first time have been given comprehensive authority to examine the FBI’s national security program for adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines.

In conjunction with the FBI’s office of general counsel, NSD attorneys now review national security investigation files at the FBI to identify and provide guidance on a range of issues.  Among other things, the reviews examine FBI compliance with Attorney General national security guidelines, use of national security letters, predication for national security investigations, and referrals to the Intelligence Oversight Board.  NSD conducted 15 national security reviews at FBI offices in 2007 and plans to complete another 15 reviews in 2008.  The mandate to perform these new oversight responsibilities, in addition to NSD’s traditional FISA oversight functions, required the formation of a new Oversight Section dedicated to this mission.  The section is supervised by a chief who reports directly to Matthew G. Olsen, the Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Intelligence