STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO A LETTER ISSUED BY
SENATOR CHARLES E. GRASSLEY ON FEBRUARY 18, 2004,
REGARDING THE FBI DISCIPLINARY PROCESS
WASHINGTON,
D.C. - The following statement was issued by Assistant
Director Cassandra Chandler in response to Senator
Charles E. Grassley's letter of February 18, 2004,
to Director Robert S. Mueller, III, regarding the
FBI's internal study of the Bureau's disciplinary
process.
"Senator
Grassley issued a letter earlier today taking issue
with the FBI's internal disciplinary process on
a number of fronts. It is important that the American
public understand that the Bureau has gone to great
lengths to improve its internal disciplinary process
and bolster confidence in its effectiveness and
impartiality.
"First,
under Director Mueller, all allegations of misconduct
within the FBI are referred to the Office of Inspector
General to ensure that such allegations receive
external review.
"Second,
the Director commissioned a study by former Attorney
General Griffin Bell and former FBI Associate Director
Dr. Lee Colwell to review the Office of Professional
Responsibility (OPR). This study includes the review
of voluminous documentation and statistical data
regarding matters referred to the OPR. This study
will result in recommendations for changes to the
disciplinary process. Once the report has been completed
and reviewed, the Director will undertake the reforms
needed to implement their recommendations. Senator
Grassley has had a long-standing interest in the
Bureau's internal disciplinary process and the FBI
has kept him and his staff apprised throughout the
Commission's review and has invited their input
at every stage. The FBI will provide Senator Grassley
a copy of the Commission's final report and fully
brief him and his staff.
"Third,
the Director has communicated clearly and frequently
to all employees that the Bureau takes seriously
its commitment to holding its employees to the highest
standards of conduct and integrity; that internal
discipline must be imposed impartially and without
regard to rank; and, that whistleblowers and all
others who raise legitimate complaints of misconduct
within the Bureau will be protected from retaliation.
"In
response to these measures, Senator Grassley wrote
in a personal letter to Director Mueller, dated
May 28, 2003, 'I applaud your decision to appoint
an outside review panel to examine the Federal Bureau
of Investigation's Office of Professional Responsibility
(OPR). I appreciate that you recognize the significant
challenges facing OPR and the reform it needs.'
Senator Grassley again commended the Director in
a public hearing on July 23, 2003.
"Today's
letter from Senator Grassley raises concerns about
a report from the year 2000 that examined anecdotal
evidence relating to a number of employees who had
been dismissed, resigned or retired while under
investigation due to substantiated acts of criminal
and serious misconduct during the time period of
1986 to 1999. This well intentioned study was used
to identify and examine behavioral and ethical trends
of FBI agents removed from duty. A copy of the report
was provided to Senator Grassley in July, 2003.
"Director
Mueller is committed to undertaking the reforms
necessary to strengthen the disciplinary process
within the FBI and ensure that it is fair, efficient
and credible. Any allegation of wrongdoing or impropriety
by FBI employees is taken seriously and aggressively
investigated. Nothing better ensures this standard
than a fair and equitable disciplinary process that
applies equally to all employees."