Forward
Since its formation in 1908, the FBI has had just one central mission -- to ensure domestic tranquility by protecting the American people from enemies both domestic and foreign, while honoring and defending the Constitution and the rule of law. This responsibility requires that we advise the American people of our accomplishments in ensuring their welfare and liberty; the manner in which we have utilized the resources provided by Congress; and the emergence of new threats and the FBI's plans to counteract them. In our democracy, agencies such as the FBI must inform the public that we serve and protect.
Since being sworn in as Director on September 1, 1993, the FBI and the Nation have experienced dramatic changes relating to crime, terrorism and national security. Transnational and cybercrime impact both our national and economic security. Economic espionage has transformed both the targets and strategies necessary to combat these new threats. Health care fraud, global economic crimes, Eurasian organized crime, Environmental crime, and hate crimes have been added to the FBI's enforcement priorities for public corruption, white collar crimes, traditional organized crime, violent crime and drug trafficking. Terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction have significantly altered both our national security strategies and committed resources. Moreover, all of these changes have necessitated the critical need to enhance the FBI's relationships with our federal, state, local and foreign law enforcement and national security counterparts.
The expansion of the FBI's overseas presence, the design and implementation of vast new criminal justice and forensic services and more integrated operations with federal, state, local and foreign public safety and security agencies have been initiated to ensure the continued success of the FBI's mission as we enter a new century.
The occasion of the FBI's 90th Anniversary marked an opportunity to look back with pride and forward with confidence at the FBI's mission. Our 1998-2003 Strategic Plan outlines the FBI's current assessment of its challenges and objectives. This Report and Plan summarize the dedicated work, accomplishments, challenges and objectives of the extraordinary men and women of the FBI from 1993 to 2003. The five-year period encompassed by this Report chronicles the immense responsibilities of the FBI and the dedicated service and heroism of its 27,829 employees, past, present and future.
My continuing commitment for the FBI as we enter the new millennium is the same as when I took office. First, that the FBI maintain its Core Values of fidelity, bravery and integrity. Ninety years of changes in technology, jurisdiction and mission have only reinforced the critical requirement that FBI employees always tell the truth, promote justice, and act with fairness and compassion to protect the people and uphold the Constitution. Second, that the FBI maintain the resources and jurisdiction to ensure its competence. Third, that the FBI develop to the highest potential its cooperation and assistance with its federal, state, local and foreign law enforcement and national security counterparts. Our greatest successes will flow from the willingness to "share our toys" with our partners and avoid the dysfunctional turf-fighting that detracts from our mission. Finally, that the FBI remain free from inappropriate political interference and all attempts to politicize its work. "One of the cardinal rules enunciated at this time [1924, while the Honorable Harlan F. Stone was Attorney General of the United States] was that the Federal Bureau of Investigation should be completely divorced from the vagaries of political influence."
All of our past accomplishments and plans for the future depend on the FBI's commitment to these four basic principles. Having been associated with the FBI for the last quarter century of its history, I am completely confident that the FBI will carry out this commitment. The men and women of the FBI stand ready to serve with honor, "one Nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all."
Louis J. Freeh
Director
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation -- http://fbi.gov