One issue that has come up is our ability to distribute to your law enforcement agencies what we call the watch list. The issue was raised as to why it could not be put into NCIC and distributed to you digitally. We now have done that. We have added that watch list to the National Crime Information Center list, or NCIC. But, by the same token, we often do not have much more than names or aliases. As we get confirmed photos or other information, we will add them to the system.

There is another point I do have to emphasize, and that is, when it comes to the electronic arena, the FBI often is far behind you and your colleagues. Overhauling our electronic infrastructure is a major priority for us, one that we are addressing now.

Beyond these few clarifications, I must say that many of the concerns that I have heard were valid, and we are stepping forward to address them. I have asked the special agents in charge in cities where we do not already have a joint terrorism task force to get one up and running quickly. While these task forces are not a panacea, they do break down stereotypes and communications barriers, more effectively coordinate leads, and help get the right resources in the right places.

In short, they are an excellent tool for melding us together in ways that make information sharing a non-issue. I have also asked the SACs to coordinate leads with local law enforcement wherever and whenever possible. I have invited law enforcement leaders to identify individuals, two or more, who can work with us in our Strategic Command Center at FBI headquarters on the national investigation. And, I have asked that representatives be added to our prevention task force. I also am exploring with the leaders of law enforcement the possibility of establishing a working group composed of officials from the FBI and local law enforcement that could identify other specific issues and find workable solutions.

These are some initial first steps and more will follow. Some issues may need to be addressed through legislation. As we move through this process, I only ask that you please bring any problems or issues to our attention. I want to know what you’re experiencing, how the FBI is treating you, and you can be assured that we will, and I will, respond.

In the coming months, we will continue our work to strengthen and modernize the FBI. We had some changing to do before September 11, and that need has only intensified since the tragedy of that date. We at the FBI, as well as state and local law enforcement, clearly have got to become more proactive and more prevention oriented. We need to be able to look down the road 5 or 10 years and gauge what is coming and start adapting now. We have got to look closely at our skill sets to see if they are tracking where we need to be to cope with the 21st century and crime in the 21st century. We have got to rebuild our electronic infrastructure and digitize our information systems. And, of course, we have got to continue building a stronger, more seamless, and more supportive relationship with you and with law enforcement and with emergency responders nationwide.

These are my priorities for the coming months, and I welcome any advice and insight you might have. I welcome and appreciate your continuing support. As difficult and as trying as these times are, I have a great deal of confidence and optimism about the future. We will get through this challenge as we’ve gotten through every other. We will get through it by leaning on each other, by falling back on our bedrock values, and by tapping into the deep reservoir of determination, strength, and courage that exists throughout America. Together, I am confident that we can keep our cities safe and strong and continue to make our country a shining example of freedom for the world. I thank you and bless you and the cities for which you are responsible.