The Federal Bureau of Investigation, established in 1908, is the primary investigative division of the Department of Justice and has both law enforcement and intelligence duties. The FBI is the lead investigative agency that investigates both international and domestic terrorism, activity involving weapons of mass destruction, and any terrorism related activities. While the FBI conducts criminal investigations, aids other law enforcement agencies in their investigations, collects intelligence and makes arrests, it is not their decision whether or not to prosecute an alleged criminal; that responsibility lies with the U.S. Attorney’s office with the DOJ. Originally namedled the Bureau of Investigation, was established by Attorney General Bonaparte …show more content…
Also in 1972, J. Edgar Hoover died after almost 48 years as Director of the FBI. In order to help restore respect for the agency, new Director Kelly implemented new training curriculums, new investigative procedures, and “Career Review Boards” , increased their undercover operations, as well as establishing a “Quality over Quantity” mentality, intended to refocus the entire FBI on three top priorities; “foreign counterintelligence, organized crime, and white-collar crime.” (history). This restructuring helped prepare them for the 1980’s as international crime became the focus, the Cold War ended, the Berlin Wall fell, and violent crimes had increased 40% in the preceding decade . By the end of the 1980’s, the agency employed a much needed 23,314 workforce and operated 58 field offices. (history) In the 1990’s, with the changing international scene and technological advancements, the FBI’s responsibilities shifted once again with more intense efforts to aimed at drug trafficking, organized crime and