FBI
Director Robert S. Mueller, III, today announced the appointment
of Larry A. Mefford as Assistant Director of the new Cyber
Division.
The
mission of the newly created Cyber Division is to focus
and coordinate the multitude of disciplines within the
FBI that are cyber related. The division will supervise
and facilitate the FBI's investigation of federal violations
in which the Internet, computer systems and networks are
exploited as the principal instruments or targets of criminal
activity. The creation of this division and the appointment
of Mr. Mefford is a reflection of the complexities inherent
with today's technologies and a desire by the FBI to bring
a multi-disciplined, coordinated approach to the FBI's
cyber efforts. Mr. Mefford was selected in part because
of his keen understanding and appreciation for the large
and critical role that the private sector has in all aspects
of the FBI's cyber programs.
Mr. Mefford most recently served as the Associate Special
Agent in Charge (ASAC) of the San Francisco Field Office,
where he was responsible for the management and oversight
of all FBI operations and program responsibilities. Since
beginning his career with the FBI in 1979, Mr. Mefford
has served as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge(ASAC)in
the San Diego Field Office, where he was responsible for
the FBI's Organized Crime, Drug, Violent Crime and Major
Offenders, and Crisis Management Programs. He has also
served as a supervisor of the interagency Bay Area Counterterrorism
Task Force; Team Leader of the FBI's Crisis Assessment
Team during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and a
Leader of the Hostage Rescue Team.
Mr. Mefford received his B.A. degree from the University
of Nevada and his M.P.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Throughout his law enforcement career, he has taught in
the fields of crisis management, tactical operations,
and terrorism contingency planning at various law enforcement
training centers, including the FBI Academy.
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