MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

BETWEEN

THE FORENSIC SERVICES DIVISION,

UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE

AND

THE TREASURY INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR TAX ADMINISTRATION

 

Section I. Introduction

The United States Secret Service (USSS) offers the services of the Forensic Services Division (FSD) to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), in areas of forensic support and expert testimony. This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is in keeping with the philosophy of the work completed by Vice President Albert Gore and the National Performance Review.

 Section II. Mission Statement

The FSD mission is to provide forensic/technical support services to USSS elements and other federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies when requested and available.

 Section III. Areas of Cooperation

  1. Assistance is offered to TIGTA, when requested, through such disciplines as the examination of handwriting and handprinting, threat letter searches through the Forensic Information System for Handwriting (FISH), document examination, ink comparisons and age determination, audio/video enhancement, fingerprint development and comparisons, Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) searches, forensic photography, and polygraph examinations.
  2. Seminars are offered to TIGTA, when requested, to familiarize TIGTA personnel with the capabilities and potential costs of FSD support. Laboratory tours and crime scene search operations are also offered.
  3. TIGTA will pay all mission specific travel costs (per diem and transportation) incurred by FSD representatives supporting TIGTA cases. All requests for services will be made and provided consistent with the provisions of the Economy Act, 31 USC 1535.

 Section IV. Implementation

  1. USSS cases have priority in forensic examinations. FSD currently prioritizes cases submitted for examination based on the importance placed on the investigation by the USSS or upon the satisfaction of the judicial system and its requirements. TIGTA will establish a similar procedure for case submission to ensure that those cases deemed most important will be given the necessary attention by FSD.
  2. At its discretion, TIGTA will continue to use various other forensic laboratories.

 Section V. Administration

A complete MOU between FSD and TIGTA will be renewable, biennially, upon agreement of both parties.

 APPROVED BY:                                                                

/s/Kevin T. Foley                    8/26/99            /s/ Thomas Blatchford         8/16/99

_______________________________          ________________________________

Kevin T. Foley                       Date                Thomas Blatchford               Date

Assistant Director-Investigations                 Deputy Inspector General for Investigations

United States Secret Service             Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration