FBI Reform

[LDAHL]

I’m reading more claims lately on both the left and right that the FBI needs to be reformed or abolished/replaced. Personally, I think there are too many federal agencies with police powers altogether, and that we should probably limit the number of groups who can kick in doors. We have FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security, US Treasury, Postal Inspectors and God knows who else running around with badges.

One idea I’ve heard that I like is separating the FBI’s domestic security and law enforcement roles similar to the way the UK does. That would seem to make it possible to reduce some of the abuses we see.

[iris lilies]

I’m not happy with the entire federal law enforcement powers and how they’re being used. But it’s such a huge issue that I can’t wrap my head around it or even see into it.


I have zero faith that any president will dismantle the thing and the way it needs to be reduced.

[sweetana3]

Just remember that our local law enforcement relies on the expertise of specialists in those agencies to help with major crime, interstate crime, specialty crime, etc. Just take a look at the salaries of lower level local and state specialists. Try to get one state to pay for systems benefiting all with just their own money. Crime investigation is not a TV show.

I used to work with the IRS and felt blessed that we had gun carrying employees in the building and in our agency available for some of the crazies. Generally we law abiding citizens can go our way without worry. But start dealing with cross state groups that want to dismantle the whole government (and we dealt with this as far back as the 70s) and you need high level law enforcement. Law Enforcment personnel who dont say "not my territory, not my problem".

[iris lilies]

Just remember that our local law enforcement relies on the expertise of specialists in those agencies to help with major crime, interstate crime, specialty crime, etc. Just take a look at the salaries of lower level local and state specialists. Try to get one state to pay for systems benefiting all with just their own money. Crime investigation is not a TV show.

I used to work with the IRS and felt blessed that we had gun carrying employees in the building and in our agency available for some of the crazies. Generally we law abiding citizens can go our way without worry. But start dealing with cross state groups that want to dismantle the whole government (and we dealt with this as far back as the 70s) and you need high level law enforcement. Law Enforcment personnel who dont say "not my territory, not my problem".

Certainly they are needed. I think the question is at what level and where.

[frugal-one]

I’m reading more claims lately on both the left and right that the FBI needs to be reformed or abolished/replaced. Personally, I think there are too many federal agencies with police powers altogether, and that we should probably limit the number of groups who can kick in doors. We have FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security, US Treasury, Postal Inspectors and God knows who else running around with badges.

One idea I’ve heard that I like is separating the FBI’s domestic security and law enforcement roles similar to the way the UK does. That would seem to make it possible to reduce some of the abuses we see.

This is solely The GOP that wants to break up the FBI….

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/08/29/defund-the-fbi-midterm-elections-gop-democrats/7842975001/?gnt-cfr=1

[bae]

What precisely has the FBI been up to that would warrant it being "reformed or abolished/replaced"?

[littlebittybobby]

Seems like the Agency was under criticism, back when Hoover was the director. So yeah--the issue was that by being so entrenched, he could carry out the investigations HE thought most important. Up until then, there were drama-series on TV that portrayed the agency in a very good light. But, I figure ideology was at issue in the controversy. But yeah---it's l;ike you kikdses' favorite country---Ukrainia. It's ALWAYS been a sore spot for all parties concerned. But anyway--yeah. Thank mee.

[LDAHL]

What precisely has the FBI been up to that would warrant it being "reformed or abolished/replaced"?

Apart from a doleful history of Hoover’s blackmail files and COINTELPRO? Obtaining FISA warrants on evidence they knew was manufactured. All those “procedural crimes” driven by the notorious form 302. Strategic leaks from bogus investigations that were later quietly dropped. Political courtiers like Peter Strzok bragging about how they will influence elections. Andrew Comey deciding the AG is too compromised and putting his oar into the water on open investigations. Holding meetings to discuss what type of domestic terrorists irate PTA attendees are.

Personally, I would like to see them split up the law enforcement and counterintelligence functions. They don’t seem to do all that well at either, and specialization might help. Also, maybe move their HQ to Tulsa or Topeka to hopefully cut down on political pandering.

[Tybee]

What precisely has the FBI been up to that would warrant it being "reformed or abolished/replaced"?

See Paul Abbate letter of january 13, 2021 as to why some might be concerned?