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February 8, 2025 Supporting federal law enforcement
PERF members, It’s an extremely difficult moment for federal agents, prosecutors, and other law enforcement employees. Last week the Department of Justice fired about two dozen federal prosecutors in Washington who worked on cases involving the pardoned January 6 rioters. And this week the FBI provided Department of Justice leaders with requested information about thousands of FBI agents and other employees who worked on these cases. It’s concerning to see these actions taken against law enforcement employees who were working their assigned cases. In an email to the FBI’s New York field office this week, Assistant Director James Dennehy wrote, “Today, we find ourselves in the middle of a battle of our own, as good people are being walked out of the FBI and others are being targeted because they did their jobs in accordance with the law and FBI policy.” I commend Assistant Director Dennehy for standing by his employees. On Tuesday night, the Senate voted to confirm Pam Bondi as attorney general, and she has an opportunity to offer her workforce similar support. Bondi served as Florida attorney general from 2011 to 2019 and began her career as a prosecutor in Hillsborough County, Florida. While serving as Florida attorney general, Bondi addressed the opioid crisis by supporting state bills to crack down on “pill mills,” better regulate synthetic drugs, improve enforcement against the trafficking of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, and expand prescription drug monitoring. In 2017, she served on the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis. After the 2018 Parkland school shootings, The Guardian reports “she banned gun sales to people younger than 21 and enacted a red flag law.” She worked with local, state, and federal law enforcement to tackle some of the pressing issues facing police nationwide, including drugs and guns. That experience will be invaluable as she takes over at the Department of Justice.
Florida's Governor Rick Scott, left, along with Attorney General Pam Bondi, and House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, right, celebrate approval of legislation to curb prescription drug abuse. Source: Wikimedia Commons She has an opportunity to reassure federal prosecutors, agents, and other employees that no further actions will be taken against those who did their jobs to investigate and prosecute the January 6 riots. For local, state, and federal law enforcement to effectively work together, all parties must be confident they can do their jobs without political interference. And state and local law enforcement are concerned that any turmoil in the federal law enforcement ranks will affect federal task forces and other cooperative efforts. In an email to all FBI staff this week, acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove wrote, “Let me be clear: No FBI employee who simply followed orders and carried out their duties in an ethical manner with respect to January 6 investigations is at risk of termination or other penalties.” Attorney General Bondi can follow through on that promise and reassure the FBI that she has their backs so that the Bureau can work with state and local law enforcement to address cybercrime, terrorism, violent crime, and the many other challenges they face. These are a few of the issues I expect her to face as she takes office: Fentanyl: Drug overdose deaths, while still far too high, have fallen substantially over the past 18 months. This has been a priority for the new administration, as the president threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on all goods from Mexico and Canada until the two countries agreed to measures that aim to reduce illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking into the United States. Immigration enforcement: While the Department of Homeland Security has primary responsibility for immigration enforcement, this is an area of focus for the new administration, and the Department of Justice will likely have substantial involvement as well. I encourage Attorney General Bondi to speak with state and local law enforcement to understand their perspectives. While she will find some interested in assisting with immigration enforcement, many want to leave that work to federal law enforcement. Local law enforcement needs to build trust with all parts of their communities, so residents are comfortable reporting crime and working with police to address public safety issues. And some agencies may be restricted from supporting immigration enforcement efforts due to state or local laws. Cybercrime: I expect cybercrime to be an increasing concern, especially as artificial intelligence improves and is more widely used. DOJ will need a workforce with the technical capabilities to respond to this challenge. Terrorism: Terrorism has been a primary concern of the Department of Justice for decades, and I’m sure it will continue to be over the next few years. The New Year’s Day vehicle attack in New Orleans has law enforcement in the city on high alert as they host the Super Bowl this weekend, and federal, state, and local law enforcement must always be prepared for attacks. I hope Attorney General Bondi is successful in providing leadership and guidance to law enforcement nationwide. PERF and its membership stand ready to support her and the DOJ in their efforts to keep our communities safe, with a strong commitment to evidence, fairness, and justice. Have a wonderful weekend! Best, Chuck |
