Office of Professional Responsibility

OPR’s primary mission is to ensure that DOJ attorneys perform their duties in accordance with the high professional standards expected of the nation's principal law enforcement agency.  In addition, through investigations of whistleblower retaliation complaints, OPR seeks to ensure that current, former, and prospective FBI employees who report what they reasonably believe to be misconduct are protected from retaliation.

Some allegations of misconduct by DOJ attorneys do not fall within the jurisdiction of OPR and are investigated by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).  OPR's jurisdiction is limited to reviewing allegations of misconduct made against DOJ attorneys and law enforcement personnel that relate to the attorneys' exercise of their authority to investigate, litigate, or provide legal advice.  The OIG notifies OPR of the existence and results of any OIG investigation that reflects upon the professional ethics of a DOJ attorney and may warrant referral to a state attorney disciplinary authority.  In such cases, OPR will take appropriate action.

OPR and the OIG share jurisdiction to investigate allegations of whistleblower retaliation made by current and former employees of the FBI and applicants for employment with the FBI.  If an adverse personnel action has been taken or threatened against a current, former, or prospective FBI employee in retaliation for alleging wrongdoing, the individual may file a complaint of whistleblower retaliation with either OPR or the OIG.