The Federal Bureau of Investigation: Its history, organization, functions and publications

Abstract

During the ‘Hoover Years’, the Federal Bureau of Investigation occupied a unique and envious position within the Federal bureaucracy. The history of the F.B.I. and the history of J. Edgar Hoover are inextricably intertwined. Because of its shady early history, Hoover imposed strict standards and purposely set about improving its image. During the New Deal years, the jurisdiction of the Bureau was vastly increased. Watergate and subsequent investigations criticized the F.B.I. for excesses and for inappropriate emphasis on certain crimes and groups to the exclusion of others. Clarence Kelley and William Webster have improved the Bureau.

Structurally, the F.B.I. is one of the bureaus within the Department of Justice. Ten divisions are presently encompassed within the Bureau: Identification, Training, Administrative Services, Records Management, Laboratory, Technical Services, Intelligence, Criminal Investigation, Planning and Inspection, and Legal Counsel (and Public Affairs Office). Besides the Headquarters in the $126 million J. Edgar Hoover F.B.I. Building, there are also 59 field offices and 480 resident agencies. Of the 54,530 permanent authorized positions in the D.O.J., 20,192 are F.B.I. positions. Functionally, there are presently five major program areas: (1) Criminal, Security and Other Investigations, (2) Co-ordination of Investigations, (3) Investigative Support, (4) State and Local Assistance, and (5) Program Direction.

Among the Bureau's well-known publications are99 Facts About the F.B.I., Know Your F.B.I., Cooperation — The Backbone of Effective Law Enforcement, Crime in the United States — Uniform Crime Reports, theAnnual Report, and theF.B.I. Law Enforcement Bulletin.