The Department of Justice's Terrorism Task Forces

Evaluation and Inspections Report I-2005-007
June 2005
Office of the Inspector General


Appendix IX

OIG Analysis of the Office of the Deputy
Attorney General's Response


The OIG sent copies of the draft report to the Office of the Deputy Attorney General (ODAG) with a request for written comments on Recommendations 1, 10, and 27. The ODAG responded to the OIG in a memorandum dated May 27, 2005, concurring with all of the recommendations. The ODAG agreed to review the functions of the NSCC, issue additional guidance to the ATACs, and work with the DHS to ensure sufficient DHS participation on the terrorism task forces. Our analysis of the ODAG's response follows.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendation 1: Resolved - Open. The Department should assess the counterterrorism functions outlined in the Attorney General's memorandum establishing the NSCC and determine if they are still appropriate for the NSCC. If they are, the Department should ensure that written guidance describes the responsibilities of the NSCC and that the NSCC carries out its assigned functions. If the functions are not appropriate for the NSCC, they should be assigned to another Department entity.

Summary of the ODAG's Response. The ODAG concurred with the recommendation and stated that as part of a larger review of the Department's national security responsibilities, the ODAG has "begun to examine more closely the best approach to the coordination of counterterrorism functions within the greater national security umbrella."

The OIG's Analysis. The review of the Department's national security responsibilities planned by the ODAG is responsive to the recommendation. By October 31, 2005, please provide us the results of this review and the ODAG's recommendations regarding whether the NSCC or another entity should carry out its assigned counterterrorism functions.

Recommendation 10: Resolved - Open. The Department should clearly delineate the roles of CTS, EOUSA, and the USAO in the ATAC program, clarifying who has primary responsibility and authority for:

  • Oversight,
  • Monitoring ATAC operations,
  • Evaluating success of the ATAC program, and
  • Enforcing compliance.

Summary of the ODAG's Response. The ODAG concurred with the recommendation (incorrectly numbered as 2 in the ODAG's response) and stated that issuing additional guidance and adopting best practices to address operational, training, and membership issues for the ATACs are helpful suggestions. The ODAG has formed a working group to develop and issue the guidance by the end of the year.

The OIG's Analysis. The ODAG's working group and its plan to issue additional ATAC guidance is responsive to the recommendation. By October 31, 2005, please provide us copies of any guidance, recommendations, or written materials developed by the working group.

Recommendation 27: Resolved - Open. The Deputy Attorney General should work jointly with DHS officials to ensure:

  • Sufficient DHS participation on the Department's task forces,
  • Sufficiently trained ICE members on the task forces and their supervisory chain of command,
  • Non-task-force related assignments to DHS members are minimized, and
  • Updated MOUs defining roles and information sharing responsibilities between the FBI and DHS.

Summary of the ODAG's Response. The ODAG concurred with the recommendation and agreed to work with its colleagues at the DHS to ensure effective participation of DHS components on the JTTFs.

The OIG's Analysis. The ODAG's plan to work with the DHS is responsive to the recommendation. By October 31, 2005, please provide us with examples of the ODAG's coordination with the DHS to ensure effective participation on the JTTFs.



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