Letter to Community Leaders from Special Agent in Charge Stephanie Douglas

United States Attorney Melinda Haag, Northern District of California
The Honorable Edwin Lee, Mayor
Members, San Francisco Board of Supervisors
Chief Greg Suhr, San Francisco Police Department
Executive Director Theresa Sparks, San Francisco Human Rights Commission
Members, San Francisco Human Rights Commission
Members, San Francisco Police Commission
Ms. Veena Dubal, Asian Law Caucus
Mr. John Crew, American Civil Liberties Union, Northern California
Ms. Zahra Billoo, Council on American-Islamic Relations, San Francisco Bay Area

Dear Community Leaders,

As you know, the San Francisco Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) values its relationships with all our community partners. I understand the concerns expressed in Ms. Billoo’s letter and want to let you know what we are doing to address them.

One FBI intelligence analyst made a presentation to a class consisting of 37 special agents (SAs) at our training academy in Virginia. The training took place approximately six months ago and was immediately discontinued. During that class, a number of students expressed concerns during the presentation. They made their concerns known to FBI training management as a result. Since then, the presenter has not provided any additional training to FBI SAs and is not in a position where he can influence policy. He is also no longer making presentations outside the FBI.

The FBI has undertaken an extensive review of all materials used in training regarding religious and/or cultural issues. Additionally, the FBI is conferring with outside consultants on the development and use of future training materials to ensure they are consistent with both the United States Constitution as well as the highest of FBI standards. In San Francisco, we are reviewing any presentation provided either internally or externally to ensure the same standards are met. While I am unfamiliar with the exact items you cite in your letter, I will make sure to review them for appropriateness.

As to the activities of the JITF, I have stated that San Francisco Police Department may participate in the JITF while abiding by their general orders. As you know, the FBI does not nor can it open any investigation based solely on race, ethnicity, or any first amendment protected activity. FBI SAs and JTTF officers are trained to utilize appropriate and legally authorized investigative techniques according to the Attorney General Guidelines and our own Domestic Investigation Operations Guide.

However, I do retain the right to assign FBI JTTF cases and will ensure SFPD does not receive any case inconsistent with its general orders. We consider SFPD to be a vital member of the JTTF and hope this suits both the city as well as the needs of the JTTF.

Thank you for bringing this issue to my attention and I hope I satisfy some of your concerns.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Douglas
Special Agent in Charge