This semiannual report summarizes the work of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) from April 1, 2005, through September 30, 2005. The audits, inspections, investigations, special reviews, and other activities highlighted in this report illustrate our ongoing commitment to promote accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness in the programs and operations of the Department of Justice (Department).
The OIG continues to focus much of its attention on matters identified by the Department and Congress as high-priority issues, such as the Department's counterterrorism and counterintelligence responsibilities, sharing of intelligence and law enforcement information, critical information technology (IT) systems upgrades, detention and incarceration issues, and the many other challenges facing the Department as it performs its multifaceted functions.
During this reporting period, the OIG issued several significant counterterrorism-related reports, including a review of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) handling of intelligence information prior to the September 11 terrorist attacks (September 11); the FBI's efforts to hire, train, and retain intelligence analysts; a follow-up review of the FBI's Foreign Language Translation Program; a comprehensive examination of the operations of the Department's terrorism task forces and advisory councils; and a review of the FBI's reallocation of resources from criminal investigations to counterterrorism matters. The OIG also completed important reviews related to other priorities in the Department, such as the U.S. Marshals Service's (USMS) effectiveness in apprehending violent fugitives, the deterrence of staff sexual abuse of Federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) inmates, and the FBI's compliance with the Attorney General's Investigative Guidelines.
In addition, the OIG continues its work on important criminal and administrative investigations. During this reporting period, for example, our investigations led to the sentencing of a former FBI employee for impersonating an Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) official, the guilty plea of a former BOP maintenance foreman to embezzling approximately $90,000, and arrests of several correctional officers for introduction of contraband into federal prisons.
We appreciate the positive response we receive regarding our work from the Attorney General, Department leaders, and Congress. We also appreciate the continued support from Congress as we strive to assist the Department in increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations.
Finally, I want to express my gratitude to the OIG staff who work diligently to fulfill the OIG's critical mission. They are talented and dedicated public servants who help improve the work of the Department and the federal government.
 Glenn A. Fine Inspector General October 31, 2005 |
