NCJ Number
88250
Date Published
1980
Length
1301 pages
Annotation
Senators hear testimony from the U.S. Attorney General, the FBI director, and other officials on the new FBI charter, which spells out the agency's authority and limitations.
Abstract
Proponents of the act argue that it will provide adequate guidelines defining FBI agents' mandate and adequate techniques to accomplish their mission. It will ensure that chronicled abuses and failures of the past will not be repeated and that citizens' rights will be protected. One Senator feels that the act's heavy reliance on the guideline system leaves accountability and control totally within the executive branch and that its failure to prohibit past abuses invites their reocurrence. Moreover, it excessively restrains the public's right to information. Prepared statements include those from numerous legislators, government officials, the American Civil Liberties Union, Common Cause, and other organizations and individuals. Some of these include footnotes and memoranda.