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The FBI started as the United States’ main federal criminal investigative agency in 1909 and has since expanded to focus on national security threats, according to Javed Ali, former FBI counterterrorism expert. The role of the FBI director, who is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate without being a cabinet member, is to oversee the operations of the FBI and ensure it aligns with the President’s priorities whilst adhering to the Constitution and FBI internal guidelines. Ali also noted that the role of the FBI has evolved over time, with the organisation focusing intensively on terrorism and espionage in the 1990s and increasing its efforts on cybersecurity in recent years.
FBI’s Role and Leadership Over Time
When the FBI is mentioned, many of the older Americans would recall the time when it was headed by J. Edgar Hoover, associated with power abuse and political dissidents harassment. However, as counterterrorism expert Javed Ali conveys, the agency and its leadership’s role has evolved significantly.
Changing Roles Over Time
The FBI’s original function, under the Bel of Investigation (BOI) in 1909, was the primary federal criminal investigative agency. It investigated federal crimes like racketeering, fraud, public corruption, and organized crime. However, the FBI always had a national security focus, as seen from their investigations into suspected saboteurs and spies dating back before World War I.
Evolution into National Security
The FBI’s focus in the 30s and 40s shifted to individuals linked to the Axis powers and communists, reflecting the global political situation. In the mid-50s, the FBI started COINTELPRO, a surveillance program that often lacked base for suspicions and court approvals.
FBI’s Modern Threat Response
The FBI has since focused more on terrorist threats, especially after 9/11. This significant event highlighted gaps within the FBI, leading to significant reforms, including a stronger focus on cybersecurity.
The head of FBI
The FBI director’s role is set to be politically neutral, as the director is appointed for a full 10-year term, theoretically insulating them from political pressure.
Tasks of an FBI Director
The FBI director’s tasks include directing the organization in preventing national security threats and responding to crime. They also oversee 55 field offices throughout the United States and Puerto Rico and FBI personnel posted overseas.
Setting FBI’s Agenda
The FBI director works under the attorney general, president, judiciary, and intelligence committees in Congress, and has to maintain American public trust. The FBI’s direction depends on the administration’s priorities, but it always has to stay within the Constitution and the FBI’s internal guidelines.
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