Is the Attorney General part of the FBI?
Asked by: Damian Gusikowski | Last update: January 25, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (41 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
What branch of government is the U.S. attorney general?
The United States Attorney General is the head of the United States Department of Justice and serves as the chief law enforcement officer of the federal government. The Attorney General acts as the principal legal advisor to the President of the United States on all legal matters.
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.
Is the attorney general an agency?
Since the 1870 Act that established the Department of Justice as an executive department of the government of the United States, the Attorney General has guided the world's largest law office and the central agency for enforcement of federal laws.
Who is above the U.S. 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.
Does The FBI Report To The Attorney General? - CountyOffice.org
Who is higher than 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 over 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).
Does the attorney general direct 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.
What power does the U.S. attorney general have?
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.
Is the attorney general in the military?
Attorneys general, despite carrying the title of "general", are not military officers and carry no rank.
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 does the CIA answer to?
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was created in 1947 with the signing of the National Security Act by President Harry S. Truman. The Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (DCIA) serves as the head of the CIA and reports to the Director of National Intelligence.
Who can fire the FBI director?
Since 1976, directors serve a ten-year term unless they resign, die, or are removed, but in practice, since Hoover, none have served a full ten years, except Mueller who served twelve years with the leave of Congress. The director of the FBI can be removed from office by the president of the United States.
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 falls under the doj?
- Antitrust Division (ATR)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- Civil Division (CIV)
- Community Orientated Policing Services (COPS)
- Community Relations Service (CRS)
- Criminal Division (CRM)
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD)
Who controls the US Attorney General?
The attorney general is the lawyer appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate to lead the Department of Justice, known as the DOJ.
What does the US Attorney General do on a daily basis?
The principal duties of the Attorney General are to: Represent the United States in legal matters. Supervise and direct the administration and operation of the offices, boards, divisions, and bureaus that comprise the Department.
Who does the FBI deal with?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) enforces federal law, and investigates a variety of criminal activity including terrorism, cybercrime, white collar crimes, public corruption, civil rights violations, and other major crimes. In an emergency dial 911!
Do lawyers work with the FBI?
Attorneys working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) may serve one of several different functions, including working as a general attorney, a legal administrative specialist, or as a legal instruments examiner.
Is secret service part of FBI?
The Secret Service and the FBI are two closely related government agencies that play crucial roles in protecting national security. Though some may think they perform the same tasks, they both handle unique responsibilities and have many different roles to support the needs of the organization.
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.
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.
Who is the head of the FBI under Trump?
Christopher Asher Wray (born December 17, 1966) is an American attorney who served as the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 2017 to 2025. He was nominated by President Donald Trump to replace James Comey. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on July 30.