Proposed DOJ Merger Could Lead to Change for DEA, ATF Agents
Merger Memo
As part of the ongoing extensive restructuring of the federal government, Department of Justice (DOJ) leadership has proposed combining the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) into a single agency. According to a memo from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, reorganization is necessary to make resources, case deconfliction, and regulatory efforts more efficient.
If the merger does indeed go forward, federal law enforcement officers at DEA and ATF will be expected to navigate these changes while maintaining current standards. The last major reorganization of federal law enforcement occurred in the aftermath of 9/11, when the Department of Homeland Security was created and a number of agencies were moved, split, or combined. While the new structure eventually became the status quo, there was a significant operational adjustment period for all officers in an involved agency. If issues arise, agents’ decisions may be scrutinized. When this happens, it is crucial that federal law enforcement officers have the protection they need – a professional liability insurance (PLI) policy from FEDS Protection can help.
Distinct Duties
While the DEA and ATF often work together, they are currently tasked with distinctly different missions. The DEA is largely focused on enforcing the nation’s laws around drugs, with agents working to combat criminal drug networks. The ATF investigates violent crime, arson, bombings, and gun trafficking and provides technical expertise tracing guns used in crimes.
Combining agencies that have different organizational goals may create confusion amongst federal agents about their professional priorities, especially if management, colleagues, and resources they are accustomed to are no longer available. Agents may have an adjustment period of learning what their objectives are, who to report to or take orders from, and what the appropriate procedures are for any given case.
Officer Obstacles
Federal law enforcement officers would be faced with pressure to make new agency arrangements work, even with increased workloads and changing directives. DEA and ATF agents would need to learn how to navigate updated procedures for a new combined agency, even while continuing to investigate crimes.
When investigating potentially dangerous individuals and groups, it is important that agents have access to all available resources. Any misstep will lead to calls for accountability that may lead to allegations and investigations. Allegations and investigations can lead to suspensions, terminations, or even personal capacity lawsuits. If an allegation is made against you, it is a necessity, not luxury, to have knowledgeable and effective counsel advocating on your behalf.
FEDS PLI for Law Enforcement Officers
As the professional liability insurance (PLI) provider endorsed by the leading federal law enforcement employee associations, FEDS Protection offers federal employee PLI policies with $1 million, $2 million, or $3 million in civil liability protection for attorney’s fees and indemnity costs in the event you are sued in your civil capacity. The FEDS policy also includes $200,000 of legal representation coverage for administrative actions and $100,000 of coverage for criminal defense costs.
Annual premiums for FEDS Protection PLI start at $290. Additionally, federal law enforcement officers, supervisors, and managers are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 50% the cost of their PLI policy through their agency. To learn more about how a FEDS PLI policy can protect you and your career, visit www.fedsprotection.com or call (866) 955-FEDS, M-F 8:30am-6pm to speak directly to a representative.
*This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.