Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, October 22, 1993 TAG: 9310220019
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
At the same time, she gave FBI Director Louis Freeh the power to resolve problems arising from overlapping jurisdictions among the Justice Department's four law enforcement agencies: the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Border Patrol.
Her arrangement falls far short of the recommendation by Vice President Al Gore's National Performance Review last month to "transfer law enforcement functions of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the [Treasury's] Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to the Federal Bureau of Investigation."
Gore approved of Reno's version during a meeting Wednesday night, she said. "So far as I know, the vice president and I were never in conflict. . . . We've been on the same wavelength all along."
The Carter and Reagan administrations also studied an FBI-DEA merger and also decided on lesser steps to coordinate their work.
Rep. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Judiciary crime subcommittee, praised the retention of DEA, but criticized the appointment of Freeh to the new job of director for investigative agency policies.
"The conflicts between DEA and the FBI have been longstanding, intense and very public," Schumer said. Although praising Freeh's integrity, he said, "I strongly suggest that this history requires the appointment of a person whose decisions will be beyond even the slightest appearance of partiality."
Reno said she did not anticipate such problems. "I think he can very easily resolve disputes, especially someone of Director Freeh's character."
DEA Administrator Robert Bonner, a Bush appointee who has announced his resignation, said the DEA "fully supports the initiative . . . to harmonize investigative activities.
"The men and women of DEA deeply appreciate the confidence she has demonstrated by her decision in their expertise, capabilities and professionalism."
Under the plan, the four agencies would retain their current responsibilities.
However, Freeh would have the authority, subject to review by top Justice officials, "to resolve operational issues where there is overlapping jurisdiction among law enforcement agencies of the Department of Justice," Reno said. "This would include such matters as drug trafficking, violence and apprehension of fugitives."
She emphasized the need to coordinate procurement of radios and computer systems so the agencies can share information easily.
None of the three other agency heads would report to Justice through Freeh, Reno said, leaving unclear how he would learn of duplication like rival investigations of the same drug organization.
"We will work that out as we go along," Reno said.
by CNB