FBI Responds to Panel Discussion on the Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission

FBI Assistant Director Cassandra M. Chandler today issued the following statement regarding the panel discussion:

"Since 9/11, Director Robert S. Mueller, III has led an unprecedented transformation of the FBI, particularly in the key areas of intelligence, information technology, and partnerships at all levels.

"To improve our intelligence capabilities, we have established a comprehensive program under the Directorate of Intelligence with oversight and budget authority over all FBI intelligence activities. We have also created intelligence groups in every FBI field office nationwide. We work jointly with our intelligence community partners—sharing databases, intelligence, and other valuable information.

"We have dramatically upgraded our technology since 9/11, particularly when it comes to replacing our computers, updating our networks, and developing our databases. We have developed new analytical tools and continue to adjust our strategy to incorporate the most modern technology into every aspect of our operations.

"We have greatly improved our capabilities through partnerships at all levels—local, state, federal, and international—to help us share what we know. At the state and local level, members of more than 100 Joint Terrorism Task Forces work side by side to track down every counterterrorism lead, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

"By building our intelligence capabilities, improving our technology, and working together, we have and will continue to develop the capabilities we need to succeed against all threats."