Office of Enforcement Operations (OEO)

The Office of Enforcement Operations (OEO) is a non-litigating section within the Criminal Division that provides investigative and prosecutorial support to United States Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division Sections.  OEO provides legal advice, and review and approval of and/or recommendations to senior-level decision makers regarding, the use of certain sensitive law enforcement tools, including: federal electronic and video surveillance; search warrants for the records, premises, or property of attorneys; subpoenas to attorneys for information related to their representation of clients; requests for waivers of the Department’s dual prosecution policy; grants of use immunity to witnesses; the closure of court proceedings; obtaining information from, or records of, members of the news media; questioning, arresting, or charging members of the news media; imposition of Special Administrative Measures governing the confinement conditions for certain high-risk federal inmates; and the investigative use or targeting of federal prisoners.

In addition, OEO oversees the administration of the Federal Witness Security Program; implements the Gambling Registration Act; ensures the Criminal Division’s compliance with the Privacy Act; and responds to Freedom of Information Act requests directed at the Criminal Division and its components.