FBI at the Ready With Staffing and Expertise
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“FBI Turns Down Hundreds of Ex-Agents Offering Help” (Nov. 6) indicated that the FBI was turning down offers of help in the current crisis from retired agents while the CIA welcomes such aid. A couple of important points got lost.
First, the FBI has brought back, under contract, retired agents with specialized expertise and has another sizable pool of retired agents who are already under contract and have all the necessary security clearances. They are being used as needed.
Second, unlike the CIA, the FBI receives enormous assistance from state and local officers. Over 500 police departments are associated with our joint terrorism efforts, and there is no question about their legal authority to investigate crimes and terrorism.
Third, we too are expediting the security clearances for specialized skills like fluency in Arabic and Farsi.
No question that the offers to help are appreciated. This respected pool of retired agents is composed of many who helped build this institution. Our hats have always been off to them.
John E. Collingwood
Assistant Director, Office of
Public and Congressional Affairs
FBI, Washington
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