Is the attorney general above the FBI?

Asked by: Dr. Eliza Koelpin  |  Last update: June 17, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (22 votes)

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.

Is the Attorney General higher than the FBI?

An agency of the United States Department of Justice, the FBI is a member of the U.S. Intelligence Community and reports to both the attorney general and the director of national intelligence.

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.

Is Attorney General head of FBI?

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.

Who controls the US Attorney General?

Under the Appointments Clause of the United States Constitution, the officeholder is nominated by the President of the United States, and, following a confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, will take the office if confirmed by the majority of the full United States Senate.

Attorney General Barr and FBI Deputy Director Bowdich Hold Press Conference

40 related questions found

Is FBI higher than police?

If a crime is committed that is a violation of local, state, and federal laws, does the FBI “take over” the investigation? No. State and local law enforcement agencies are not subordinate to the FBI, and the FBI does not supervise or take over their investigations.

Who investigates corrupt FBI agents?

The Public Integrity Section (PIN) oversees the investigation and prosecution of all federal crimes affecting government integrity, including bribery of public officials, election crimes, and other related offenses.

What's the difference between FBI and CIA?

The CIA collects information only regarding foreign countries and their citizens. Unlike the FBI, it is prohibited from collecting information regarding “U.S. Persons,” a term that includes U.S. citizens, resident aliens, legal immigrants, and U.S. corporations, regardless of where they are located.

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 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.

What branch is the FBI 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.

Who does the US Attorney General report to?

The Attorney General represents the United States in legal matters generally and gives advice and opinions to the President and to the heads of the executive departments of the Government when so requested. In matters of exceptional gravity or importance the Attorney General appears in person before the Supreme Court.

Who does the CIA answer to?

The Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (DCIA) serves as the head of the CIA and reports to the Director of National Intelligence.

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 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 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.

Who has more authority, FBI or U.S. Marshals?

Does a US marshal have more authority than an FBI agent, or is it the other way around? Neither. They have different jurisdictions and responsibilities, though both are federal law enforcement agencies.

How to tell if the feds are watching you?

  1. Receiving a Target Letter. ...
  2. Federal investigators Showing Up at Your Home or Work. ...
  3. Having Your Phone Calls Monitored. ...
  4. Unusual Activity from Financial Institutions. ...
  5. Unexplained Grand Jury Subpoenas for Documents, Emails, or Other Records. ...
  6. Criminal Indictments Issued by the U.S Attorney.

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.

Who reports corruption?

Report Public Corruption — FBI.

Who has more power, Dea or 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.

Why can't CIA operate on US 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.