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 EPIC FOIA Notes

EPIC FOIA Notes #9
October 24, 2005

Possible Patriot Act Abuses Released by FBI

SNAPSHOT [click for full document—pdf, 3.1mb]

THE DISCLOSURE
Documents obtained by EPIC from the FBI describe thirteen cases of possible misconduct in intelligence investigations. The case numbering suggests that there were at least 153 investigations of misconduct at the FBI in 2003 alone.

THE ISSUE
Oversight of the FBI's intelligence activities since passage of the
Patriot Act.

THE BACKGROUND
The FBI is the leading law enforcement agency in the United States. However, since passage of the Patriot Act, the Bureau has become more involved in secretive intelligence investigations. Concerns have been raised about whether there is adequate oversight of the FBI's new authority. EPIC recently sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding possible misconduct in intelligence investigations.

THE SIGNIFICANCE
These documents obtained by EPIC suggest that Congress may be unaware of unlawful intelligence investigations in the United States.

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