October 1, 2002–March 31, 2003
Office of the Inspector General

MESSAGE FROM THE INSPECTOR GENERAL

During this reporting period, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has completed many reviews related to critical Department of Justice (Department) priorities, including counterterrorism, border security, financial management, and computer security. In this regard, the OIG developed its annual list of top management challenges in the Department and focused many of its resources on addressing these challenges.

In March 2003, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) moved to the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS). To assist with this transfer, the OIG developed a separate list of top management challenges in the INS. In addition, the OIG concluded a series of reviews in the INS that examined issues ranging from the status of an INS system for tracking foreign students in the United States to the INS's success at removing aliens issued final orders of removal.

Also during this reporting period, the law enforcement components of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) - formerly part of the Department of the Treasury - transferred to the Department of Justice. As a result of this transfer and the INS's move to DHS, the OIG is reorganizing its field office structure to reflect the changes in our oversight responsibilities.

The OIG continued its wide-ranging oversight in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) by completing reviews on diverse FBI issues such as the FBI's management of its information technology investments and allegations of a double standard of discipline. In addition, we completed many audits and reviews in other Department components. For example, during this period we issued reviews of the Department's drug demand reduction activities and the Federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) efforts to stem the flow of illegal drugs into federal prisons.

For the first time, we report our oversight activities organized by Department component rather than by OIG division. We believe this format will describe in a more useful fashion the range of OIG activities throughout the Department.

During this reporting period, Congress codified the OIG's authority to investigate allegations of misconduct throughout the Department, including in the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This action embodies in statute an administrative action taken by the Attorney General in July 2001.

In all of our audits, inspections, investigations, and special reviews, we strive to improve the efficiency and integrity of Department programs and practices. We appreciate the continued support of the Attorney General and Congress in this effort.

Glenn A. Fine Inspector General April 30, 2003