The Internal Effects of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Reprioritization

Audit Report 04-39
September 2004
Office of the Inspector General


Redacted and Unclassified
Appendix VII

Organized Crime/Drug Matters


As discussed in Chapter 4, we identified 12 investigative classifications related to Organized Crime/Drug (OC/D) matters that were among the 30 classifications that experienced the greatest field agent resource reductions between FYs 2000 and 2003.66 Moreover, 11 of these 12 classifications involved drug-related matters.67 These 12 classifications and their on board agent reductions are presented in the following exhibit.

ORGANIZED CRIME/DRUG CLASSIFICATIONS EXPERIENCING
THE GREATEST REDUCTIONS IN AGENT RESOURCE UTILIZATION
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003
Classification Name Classification AOB Change
FYs 2000 - 2003
Organized Crime/Drug Investigation (OC/DI) Classifications
   OC/DI - Mexican Organizations 281C -119
   OC/DI - La Cosa Nostra and Italian Organizations 281A -103
   OC/DI - Other Major Criminal Organizations 281F -76
   OC/DI - Central/South American Organizations 281B -44
   OC/DI - Caribbean Organizations 281I -43
   OC/DI - Asian Organizations 281E -40
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Classifications
   OCDETF - Mexican Organizations 245C -123
   OCDETF - Other Major Criminal Organizations 245F -62
   OCDETF - VCMO - Gangs 245D -37
   OCDETF - Central/South American Organizations 245B -61
   OCDETF - Caribbean Organizations 245I -31
Racketeering Enterprise Investigations (REI) Classifications
   REI - Mexican Organizations 092C -28
Total   -767
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data

We conducted additional analyses for each of these 12 OC/D-related classifications based upon the type of criminal organization that the investigative classification targeted. These analyses, presented in the following sections, identify the FBI field offices experiencing the greatest agent utilization reductions in these specific investigative areas.

Mexican Organizations

Among the 12 classifications related to OC/D matters, three were specifically involved Mexican organizations: Classification 281C (OC/DI - Mexican Organizations), Classification 245C (OCDETF - Mexican Organizations), and Classification 092C (REI - Mexican Organizations). The following exhibit presents field agent utilization for the entire FBI within these classifications for FYs 2000 through 2003.

TOTAL FBI FIELD AGENT RESOURCE UTILIZATION
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

In FY 2000, there were 187 field agents for classification 281C, 279 field agents for classification 245C, and 43 field agents for classification 092C. In FY 2001, there were 195 field agents for classification 281C, 252 field agents for classification 245C, and 35 field agents for classification 092C. In FY 2002, there were 114 field agents for classification 281C, 174 field agents for classification 245C, and 22 field agents for classification 092C. In FY 2003, there were 68 field agents for classification 281C, 156 field agents for classification 245C, and 15 field agents for classification 092C.
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data

Field Offices - We reviewed data at the field office level and determined that the majority of FBI field offices saw reductions within these classifications. The following three exhibits present these results and highlight those field offices that experienced the most significant changes in on board agents.

CHANGES IN ON BOARD AGENTS IN FBI FIELD OFFICES
281C (OC/DI - MEXICAN ORGANIZATIONS)
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

[Image Not Available Electronically]
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data



CHANGES IN ON BOARD AGENTS IN FBI FIELD OFFICES
245C (OCDETF - MEXICAN ORGANIZATIONS)
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

[Image Not Available Electronically]
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data



CHANGES IN ON BOARD AGENTS IN FBI FIELD OFFICES
092C (REI - MEXICAN ORGANIZATIONS)
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

[Image Not Available Electronically]
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data

As shown in the previous three exhibits, most of the offices experiencing the greatest on board agent reductions within classifications related to Mexican organizations oversee territory along or near the southwest border of the United States. In fact, the San Antonio and Phoenix field offices, both of which contain jurisdiction on the southwest border, experienced significant reductions in each of the three classifications reviewed.

In addition to our review of on board agents, we also analyzed casework data from the FBI's Automated Case Support (ACS) system. Specifically, for each classification related to Mexican organizations, we compared the number of cases opened in each field office in FY 2000 to the number opened in FY 2003. After determining both the number and percentage change for each field office, we identified those offices experiencing the greatest reductions for each classification. The following three tables highlight those field offices that experienced the greatest reductions in the number of cases opened within each classification. As in our analysis of on board agent reductions in these classifications, several of the field offices in our casework analyses are on or near the southwest border of the United States.

281C (OC/DI - MEXICAN ORGANIZATIONS)

FIELD OFFICE CASE OPENINGS
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

FIELD OFFICE FY 2000
Cases Opened
FY 2003
Cases Opened
Number
Change
Percentage
Change
LOS ANGELES 42 6 -36 -85.71%
ALBUQUERQUE 22 1 -21 -95.45%
CHICAGO 37 19 -18 -48.65%
KANSAS CITY 18 1 -17 -94.44%
PHOENIX 16 2 -14 -87.50%
DETROIT 13 2 -11 -84.62%
SAN FRANCISCO 12 2 -10 -83.33%
EL PASO 23 14 -9 -39.13%
HOUSTON 14 5 -9 -64.29%
SAN ANTONIO 8 1 -7 -87.50%
SALT LAKE CITY 8 1 -7 -87.50%
ATLANTA 7 1 -6 -85.71%
MINNEAPOLIS 7 1 -6 -85.71%
CHARLOTTE 5 0 -5 -100.00%
PORTLAND 6 1 -5 -83.33%
SEATTLE 5 0 -5 -100.00%
Source: OIG analysis of FBI ACS data


245C (OCDETF - MEXICAN ORGANIZATIONS)

FIELD OFFICE CASE OPENINGS
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

FIELD OFFICE FY 2000
Cases Opened
FY 2003
Cases Opened
Number
Change
Percentage
Change
SAN ANTONIO 19 3 -16 -84.21%
LOS ANGELES 13 3 -10 -76.92%
KANSAS CITY 9 0 -9 -100.00%
CHARLOTTE 9 1 -8 -88.89%
CLEVELAND 6 0 -6 -100.00%
HOUSTON 7 1 -6 -85.71%
INDIANAPOLIS 5 0 -5 -100.00%
OMAHA 5 0 -5 -100.00%
SACRAMENTO 5 0 -5 -100.00%
Source: OIG analysis of FBI ACS data


092C (REI - MEXICAN ORGANIZATIONS)

FIELD OFFICE CASE OPENINGS
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

FIELD OFFICE FY 2000
Cases Opened
FY 2003
Cases Opened
Number
Change
Percentage
Change
SAN FRANCISCO 2 0 -2 -100.00%
ALBUQUERQUE 1 0 -1 -100.00%
CHARLOTTE 1 0 -1 -100.00%
DALLAS 1 0 -1 -100.00%
LAS VEGAS 1 0 -1 -100.00%
Source: OIG analysis of FBI ACS data

Central/South American Organizations

Two classifications involving Central/South American organizations were among those investigative areas with the greatest reductions in agent utilization: Classifications 281B (OC/DI - Central/South American Organizations) and 245B (OCDETF - Central/South American Organizations). As illustrated in the following exhibit, agent utilization for these two classifications decreased in each year from FY 2000 through FY 2003.

TOTAL FBI FIELD AGENT RESOURCE UTILIZATION
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

In FY 2000, there were 62 field agents for classification 281B and 115 for classification 245B. In FY 2001, there were 51 field agents for classification 281B and 108 for classification 245B. In FY 2002, there were 29 field agents for classification 281B and 68 for classification 245B. In FY 2003, there were 18 field agents for classification 281B and 54 for classification 245B.
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data

Field Offices - The following two exhibits contain field office level analyses of changes occurring within these classifications. Unlike our analysis of Mexican organizations, we found no geographic commonality among those field offices experiencing the greatest reductions. However, we did determine that the most significant reductions related to Central/South American organizations generally occurred within the FBI's larger offices.

CHANGES IN ON BOARD AGENTS IN FBI FIELD OFFICES
281B (OC/DI - CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS)
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

[Image Not Available Electronically]
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data


CHANGES IN ON BOARD AGENTS IN FBI FIELD OFFICES
245B (OCDETF - CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS)
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

[Image Not Available Electronically]
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data

As with Mexican organizations, we reviewed casework data for those classifications related to Central/South American organizations.

281B (OC/DI - CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS)

FIELD OFFICE CASE OPENINGS
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

FIELD OFFICE FY 2000
Cases Opened
FY 2003
Cases Opened
Number
Change
Percentage
Change
CHICAGO 7 1 -6 -85.71%
LOS ANGELES 5 0 -5 -100.00%
NEWARK 8 3 -5 -62.50%
MIAMI 13 9 -4 -30.77%
CHARLOTTE 3 0 -3 -100.00%
PITTSBURGH 3 0 -3 -100.00%
BALTIMORE 2 0 -2 -100.00%
NEW HAVEN 2 0 -2 -100.00%
NEW YORK 9 7 -2 -22.22%
TAMPA 3 1 -2 -66.67%
Source: OIG analysis of FBI ACS data


245B (OCDETF - CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS)

FIELD OFFICE CASE OPENINGS
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

FIELD OFFICE FY 2000
Cases Opened
FY 2003
Cases Opened
Number
Change
Percentage
Change
MIAMI 10 3 -7 -70.00%
HOUSTON 3 0 -3 -100.00%
TAMPA 3 0 -3 -100.00%
ALBANY 2 0 -2 -100.00%
CHICAGO 2 0 -2 -100.00%
LOS ANGELES 2 0 -2 -100.00%
PHILADELPHIA 3 1 -2 -66.67%
Source: OIG analysis of FBI ACS data

Caribbean Organizations

The following exhibit illustrates on board field agent utilization in the two Caribbean-related classifications listed among those investigative areas with the greatest reductions in on board agents: Classification 281I (OC/DI - Caribbean Organizations) and Classification 245I (OCDETF - Caribbean Organizations).

TOTAL FBI FIELD AGENT RESOURCE UTILIZATION
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

In FY 2000, there were a total of 125 field agents; 57 for classification 281I and 68 for classification 245I. In FY 2001, there were a total of 117 field agents; 47 for classification 281I and 70 for classification 245I. In FY 2002, there were a total of 68 field agents; 24 for classification 281I and 44 for classification 245I. In FY 2003, there were a total of 51 field agents; 14 for classification 281I and 378 for classification 245I.
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data

Field Offices - The following two exhibits illustrate on board agent changes experienced by each FBI field office from FYs 2000 through 2003 in matters related to Caribbean organizations.

CHANGES IN ON BOARD AGENTS IN FBI FIELD OFFICES
281I (OC/DI -- CARIBBEAN ORGANIZATIONS)
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

[Image Not Available Electronically]
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data


CHANGES IN ON BOARD AGENTS IN FBI FIELD OFFICES
245I (OCDETF -- CARIBBEAN ORGANIZATIONS)
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

[Image Not Available Electronically]
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data

Similar to matters involving Central/South American organizations, the decrease in agent utilization in classifications associated with Caribbean enterprises occurred within some of the FBI's larger field offices, New York City, Washington, and Miami.

Our analysis of casework in matters related to Caribbean organizations revealed that several of the offices experiencing the greatest reductions in case openings did not open any 281I and 245I cases in FY 2003.

281I (OC/DI -- CARIBBEAN ORGANIZATIONS)

FIELD OFFICE CASE OPENINGS
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

FIELD OFFICE FY 2000
Cases Opened
FY 2003
Cases Opened
Number
Change
Percentage
Change
SAN JUAN 11 4 -7 -63.64%
BOSTON 9 4 -5 -55.56%
MIAMI 9 5 -4 -44.44%
PITTSBURGH 4 0 -4 -100.00%
PHILADELPHIA 4 1 -3 -75.00%
WASHINGTON 3 0 -3 -100.00%
ALBANY 2 0 -2 -100.00%
COLUMBIA 2 0 -2 -100.00%
Source: OIG analysis of FBI ACS data


245I (OCDETF -- CARIBBEAN ORGANIZATIONS)

FIELD OFFICE CASE OPENINGS
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

FIELD OFFICE FY 2000
Cases Opened
FY 2003
Cases Opened
Number
Change
Percentage
Change
BOSTON 6 0 -6 -100.00%
NEW YORK 6 0 -6 -100.00%
HOUSTON 3 0 -3 -100.00%
ALBANY 2 0 -2 -100.00%
ATLANTA 2 0 -2 -100.00%
COLUMBIA 2 0 -2 -100.00%
CLEVELAND 3 1 -2 -66.67%
JACKSONVILLE 2 0 -2 -100.00%
LAS VEGAS 2 0 -2 -100.00%
MIAMI 4 2 -2 -50.00%
NEWARK 2 0 -2 -100.00%
Source: OIG analysis of FBI ACS data

La Cosa Nostra and Italian Organizations

Only one of the OC/D investigative classifications we identified involved organizations related to La Cosa Nostra (LCN) and Italian enterprises: Classification 281A (OC/DI La Cosa Nostra and Italian Organizations). The following exhibit presents field agent utilization within this classification for FYs 2000 through 2003.

TOTAL FBI FIELD AGENT RESOURCE UTILIZATION
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

In FY 2000, there were 303 field agents. In FY 2001, there were 287 field agents. In FY 2002, there were 199 field agents. In FY 2003, there were 200 field agents.
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data

Field Offices - As shown in the following exhibit, by far the most significant on board agent reductions within LCN and Italian organization matters occurred in the New York City and Newark field offices. According to FBI program documents, investigations involving these organizations are concentrated in the New York City Metropolitan area; thus, these results were not surprising.


CHANGES IN ON BOARD AGENTS IN FBI FIELD OFFICES
281A (OC/DI - LA COSA NOSTRA AND ITALIAN ORGANIZATIONS)
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

[Image Not Available Electronically]
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data

Our review of 281A case openings, which follows, showed no significant reductions.


281A (OC/DI - LA COSA NOSTRA AND ITALIAN ORGANIZATIONS)

FIELD OFFICE CASE OPENINGS
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

FIELD OFFICE FY 2000
Cases Opened
FY 2003
Cases Opened
Number
Change
Percentage
Change
BOSTON 8 1 -7 -87.50%
KANSAS CITY 7 0 -7 -100.00%
NEWARK 11 4 -7 -63.64%
PHILADELPHIA 6 1 -5 -83.33%
NEW HAVEN 7 4 -3 -42.86%
NEW ORLEANS 3 1 -2 -66.67%
ATLANTA 1 0 -1 -100.00%
BUFFALO 1 0 -1 -100.00%
CHICAGO 9 8 -1 -11.11%
DALLAS 2 1 -1 -50.00%
HOUSTON 1 0 -1 -100.00%
PHOENIX 1 0 -1 -100.00%
SAN FRANCISCO 1 0 -1 -100.00%
TAMPA 3 2 -1 -33.33%
Source: OIG analysis of FBI ACS data

Asian Organizations

As with LCN and Italian organization matters, only one classification associated with Asian organizations experienced the most significant reductions in on board agents between FYs 2000 and 2003. The following exhibit reveals the field agent resource utilization for this classification: 281E (OC/DI - Asian Organizations).

TOTAL FBI FIELD AGENT RESOURCE UTILIZATION
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

In FY 2000, there were 117 field agents. In FY 2001, there were 94 field agents. In FY 2002, there were 72 field agents. In FY 2003, there were 77 field agents.
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data

Field Offices - As illustrated in the following exhibit, the majority of the FBI's field offices experienced a decrease in onboard agents in Classification 281E between FYs 2000 and 2003. Although the most significant agent utilization reductions were not concentrated in a specific geographic area, they generally occurred within the FBI's larger field offices. In fact, five of these field offices, including New York City and Los Angeles, are among the FBI's ten largest offices.68


CHANGES IN ON BOARD AGENTS IN FBI FIELD OFFICES
281E (OC/DI - ASIAN ORGANIZATIONS)
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

[Image Not Available Electronically]
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data

As shown in the following exhibit, almost every field office that experienced the greatest reductions in Asian organization matters contain territory that borders either the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean.


281E (OC/DI - ASIAN ORGANIZATIONS)

FIELD OFFICE CASE OPENINGS
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

FIELD OFFICE FY 2000
Cases Opened
FY 2003
Cases Opened
Number
Change
Percentage
Change
SAN FRANCISCO 18 4 -14 -77.78%
LOS ANGELES 18 5 -13 -72.22%
ANCHORAGE 9 0 -9 -100.00%
BALTIMORE 6 0 -6 -100.00%
HONOLULU 7 2 -5 -71.43%
NEW YORK 8 3 -5 -62.50%
SEATTLE 6 1 -5 -83.33%
MINNEAPOLIS 6 2 -4 -66.67%
NEWARK 12 8 -4 -33.33%
BOSTON 4 1 -3 -75.00%
WASHINGTON 3 0 -3 -100.00%
Source: OIG analysis of FBI ACS data

Other Criminal Organizations

Of the 30 classifications with the most significant agent utilization reductions, three investigative areas did not pertain to a specific type of criminal organization: Classifications 245D (OCDETF - VCMO Gangs), Classification 281F (OC/DI - Other Major Criminal Organizations), and Classification 245F (OCDETF - Other Major Criminal Organizations). The following exhibit illustrates the agent utilization within these classifications for FYs 2000 through 2003.

TOTAL FBI FIELD AGENT RESOURCE UTILIZATION
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

In FY 2000, there were 109 agents for classification 281F, 114 agents for classification 245F, and 132 agents for classification 245D. In FY 2001, there were 99 agents for classification 281F, 115 agents for classification 245F, and 128 agents for classification 245D. In FY 2002, there were 51 agents for classification 281F, 75 agents for classification 245F, and 105 agents for classification 245D. In FY 2003, there were 33 agents for classification 281F, 52 agents for classification 245F, and 95 agents for classification 245D.
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data

Field Offices - We discerned no similarities among the field offices with the greatest reductions in agent utilization within these classifications. As shown in the following exhibit, the offices affected were large, medium, and small with no geographic connectivity among them.


CHANGES IN ON BOARD AGENTS IN FBI FIELD OFFICES
245D (OCDETF - VCMO - GANGS)
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

[Image Not Available Electronically]
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data


CHANGES IN ON BOARD AGENTS IN FBI FIELD OFFICES
281F (OC/DI - OTHER MAJOR CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS)
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

[Image Not Available Electronically]
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data


CHANGES IN ON BOARD AGENTS IN FBI FIELD OFFICES
245F (OCDETF - OTHER MAJOR CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS)
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

[Image Not Available Electronically]
Source: OIG analysis of FBI TURK data

The following three tables provide information about reductions in case openings within matters involving other criminal organizations.


245D (OCDETF - VCMO - GANGS)

FIELD OFFICE CASE OPENINGS
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

FIELD OFFICE FY 2000
Cases Opened
FY 2003
Cases Opened
Number
Change
Percentage
Change
MIAMI 4 0 -4 -100.00%
ATLANTA 3 0 -3 -100.00%
DALLAS 3 0 -3 -100.00%
DENVER 3 0 -3 -100.00%
MILWAUKEE 3 0 -3 -100.00%
OKLAHOMA CITY 3 0 -3 -100.00%
SACRAMENTO 3 0 -3 -100.00%
Source: OIG analysis of FBI ACS data


281F (OC/DI - OTHER MAJOR CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS)

FIELD OFFICE CASE OPENINGS
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

FIELD OFFICE FY 2000
Cases Opened
FY 2003
Cases Opened
Number
Change
Percentage
Change
DETROIT 30 4 -26 -86.67%
PHILADELPHIA 28 2 -26 -92.86%
SPRINGFIELD 18 2 -16 -88.89%
BIRMINGHAM 14 0 -14 -100.00%
PITTSBURGH 12 0 -12 -100.00%
NORFOLK 12 1 -11 -91.67%
INDIANAPOLIS 11 1 -10 -90.91%
JACKSON 11 1 -10 -90.91%
LOUISVILLE 14 4 -10 -71.43%
ALBANY 11 2 -9 -81.82%
DALLAS 10 1 -9 -90.00%
NEWARK 11 2 -9 -81.82%
SALT LAKE CITY 11 3 -8 -72.73%
Source: OIG analysis of FBI ACS data


245F (OCDETF - OTHER MAJOR CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS)

FIELD OFFICE CASE OPENINGS
FISCAL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2003

FIELD OFFICE FY 2000
Cases Opened
FY 2003
Cases Opened
Number
Change
Percentage
Change
CHARLOTTE 9 1 -8 -88.89%
MEMPHIS 7 0 -7 -100.00%
ATLANTA 7 1 -6 -85.71%
NORFOLK 6 0 -6 -100.00%
INDIANAPOLIS 5 0 -5 -100.00%
PHILADELPHIA 5 0 -5 -100.00%
COLUMBIA 5 1 -4 -80.00%
DETROIT 4 0 -4 -100.00%
PITTSBURGH 4 0 -4 -100.00%
ST. LOUIS 5 1 -4 -80.00%
Source: OIG analysis of FBI ACS data


Footnotes

  1. Classification 245D (OCDETF - VCMO - Gangs) was transferred from the VCMO Program during FY 2002 and assigned to the Criminal Enterprise Investigations Program in FY 2003. Although this is the only OCDETF related classification not assigned to the OC/D Program, we include Classification 245D in our discussion of OC/D matters in order to keep all OCDETF-related classifications together.

  2. The one classification not specifically related to drug investigations is 092C, which involves racketeering enterprise investigations.

  3. In addition to the Los Angeles and New York City field offices, these offices include the Houston, San Francisco, and Washington field offices.

Redacted and Unclassified