Is attorney general head of FBI?

Asked by: Garland Auer  |  Last update: December 21, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (4 votes)

The FBI director is appointed for a single 10-year term by the president of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. The FBI is an agency within the Department of Justice (DOJ), and thus the director reports to the attorney general of the United States. J. Edgar Hoover Building, Washington, D.C.

Does the attorney general have power over the FBI?

The FBI's mandate is established in Title 28 of the United States Code (U.S. Code), Section 533, which authorizes the Attorney General to "appoint officials to detect and prosecute crimes against the United States". Other federal statutes give the FBI the authority and responsibility to investigate specific crimes.

Who is head over the FBI?

The FBI is led by a Director, who is appointed by the U.S. president and confirmed by the Senate for a term not to exceed 10 years. The current Director is Brian Driscoll (acting). You can find information on all Directors who have served the FBI on our History website.

What department does FBI fall under?

The FBI is an intelligence-driven and threat-focused national security organization with both intelligence and law enforcement responsibilities. It is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Justice and a full member of the U.S. Intelligence Community.

What is the head of an FBI office called?

Directors, Then and Now. Since its beginning in 1908, the FBI has been led by a single individual. At first called “Chief,” this leader has been titled “Director” since the term of William Flynn (1919-1921).

Trump White House fires DOJ officials who worked on criminal investigations of the president

16 related questions found

Who has authority over the FBI?

Within the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI is responsible to the attorney general, and it reports its findings to U.S. Attorneys across the country. The FBI's intelligence activities are overseen by the Director of National Intelligence.

Who is above the FBI director?

The FBI is an agency within the Department of Justice (DOJ), and thus the director reports to the attorney general of the United States.

Who is above the US Attorney General?

The department is headed by the U.S. attorney general, who reports directly to the president of the United States and is a member of the president's Cabinet.

Who has more authority, FBI or CIA?

Great question. Lots of people get the CIA and FBI confused. The CIA's mission is to collect foreign intelligence overseas, where as the FBI addresses domestic issues. The CIA does not have law enforcement authority and does not collect information concerning the domestic activities of American citizens.

Who is the best FBI agent of all time?

Top 3 FBI Agents Of All Time
  • William Mark Felt, aka Deep Throat. ...
  • Melvin Purvis Jr. ...
  • Joseph Pistone, aka Donnie Brasco.

Who is more powerful US attorney or attorney general?

United States Attorneys serve as the nation's principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General of the United States of America.

Who will lead the FBI?

Dec. 11, 2024FBI Director Christopher Wray announced his intention to resign, clearing the way for Trump to install Patel as the next FBI chief. Nov. 30, 2024Trump announced he's nominating Patel to be the next FBI director, following reports that Patel was being floated for the position.

Who is the most powerful agency in the world?

Here's a look at the top five intelligence agencies in the world.
  • CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) – United States. ...
  • Mossad – Israel. ...
  • MI6 (Secret Intelligence Service) – United Kingdom. ...
  • DGSE (Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure) – France. ...
  • MSS (Ministry of State Security) – China.

Why can't CIA operate on U.S. soil?

By law, CIA is specifically prohibited from collecting foreign intelligence concerning the domestic activities of US citizens. Its mission is to collect information related to foreign intelligence and foreign counterintelligence.

What branch is above the CIA?

The CIA is not within a cabinet level department so it stands alone except for some budgetary control and priorities by the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).

Can the president remove the Attorney General?

U.S. Attorneys are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Like other presidential appointees, they can be removed by the President for any reason or for no reason, as long as it is not an illegal or improper reason.

Is the dea part of the FBI?

The FBI is a primary law enforcement agency for the U.S. government, charged with enforcement of more than 200 categories of federal laws. The DEA is a single-mission agency charged with enforcing drug laws. The ATF primarily enforces federal firearms statutes and investigates arsons and bombings.

Is the Attorney General higher than the Supreme Court?

United States Supreme Court decisions directly affect attorney general offices' ability to enforce state laws and defend government officials' conduct. Attorney general offices therefore play an active role before the Supreme Court.

What is the FBI pay scale?

The average Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) salary ranges from approximately $48,000 per year for Operational Support Grade to $145,000 per year for Program Analyst.

Who controls the doj?

§§ 501 and 503), the Department of Justice (DOJ or the Department) is headed by the Attorney General of the United States. The Department was created to control federal law enforcement, and all criminal prosecutions and civil suits in which the United States has an interest.

Do all FBI agents carry guns?

Agents carry Bureau-issued or approved handguns and may be issued additional equipment as needed. Those in specialized areas like the Hostage Rescue Teams may also be issued weapons that fit their duties. Agents are allowed to carry personal weapons, provided they do not violate the policies regarding firearms.