NCJ Number
129043
Journal
Criminal Justice Review Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: (Autumn 1990) Pages: 221
Date Published
1990
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article surveys the history of the Federal Bureau of Investigation since its beginnings in 1908 with particular focus on the Hoover years and political surveillance.
Abstract
Expansion of the Federal governments regulatory role increased FBI personnel and influence until 1936. However, the unprecedented growth of FBI after 1940 was triggered not by the enactment of internal security laws, but by the issuance of secret directives from the President, Attorney General, and FBI director. Although the focus was on potential subversive activities, intelligence investigations were extended to include illicit sexual conduct and political activities, and information was secretly collected and filed. Because of FBI public relations efforts and J Edgar Hoover's ability to protect FBI investigations from external scrutiny, the FBI developed into a powerful and autonomous agency. The FBI's interest in noncriminal information and its use of illegal investigative techniques raises important questions for the historian and criminologist. 10 references (Author abstract modified)