A Review of FBI Security Programs

Commission for the Review of FBI Security Programs
United States Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 1521
Washington, DC 20530
(202) 616-1327 Main
(202) 616-3591 Facsimile
The Honorable John Ashcroft
Attorney General
United States Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20530
Dear Mr. Attorney General:
March 31, 2002
In March 2001, you asked me to lead a Commission to study security programs within the
Federal Bureau of Investigation. Your request came at the urging of FBI Director Louis Freeh, who
had concluded that an outside review was critical in light of the then recently discovered espionage
by a senior Bureau official.
In discharging my duties, I turned to six distinguished citizens as fellow Commissioners and
to a staff of highly qualified professionals. I want to acknowledge the diligence with which my
colleagues pursued the complex matters within our mandate. The Commission took its
responsibilities seriously. It was meticulous in its investigation, vigorous in its discussions, candid
in sharing views, and unanimous in its recommendations.
When I agreed to chair the Commission, you promised the full cooperation and support of
the Department of Justice and the FBI. That promise has been fulfilled. I would like to thank the
Department’s Security and Emergency Planning Staff for the expert help they gave us, and I
especially commend the cooperation of Director Mueller and FBI personnel at every level, who have
all been chastened by treachery from within.
I am pleased to submit the report of the Commission for the Review of FBI Security
Programs.
Sincerely,
William H. Webster