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FBI Undercover Operations - Hearings Before the House Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights, February 4, March 2, April 1, 22, 29, June 2,3,9, July 22, and November 23, 1982

NCJ Number
94493
Date Published
1982
Length
1030 pages
Annotation
This transcript of 10 hearings discusses Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) guidelines and proactive operations.
Abstract
Witnesses at the first and third hearings were all legitimate businessmen who fell victim to the freelance criminal artistry of FBI con-men/informants. From their testimony, it appears that the FBI has literally ruined the lives of innocent people. The second hearing focused on the increased use of audio and video taping of suspects in the course of undercover investigations. Experts in logistics argue with the FBI on the notion of presenting these materials as evidence, stating that the situations lend themselves to manipulation. Several hearings focused on Abscam. The fifth hearing was a forum for discussion on the FBI budget and charter, again in relation to undercover activities. The last hearing investigated the question of whether undercover operations are carefully controlled, monitored, and supervised to prevent harm to innocent people and to the country's traditional concern for justice and due process. Witnesses at this hearing were all well-respected members of the legal community. A total of 30 witnesses testified. There are 28 exhibits and 3 appendixes.