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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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