Coordinating with DOJ: A Guide for Public Information Officers

DOJ Overview 

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is led by the U.S. Attorney General and is composed of 40 organizations and more than 115,000 employees at field offices in every state and in more than 50 countries. The DOJ Office of Public Affairs (OPA) is the principal point of contact for the news media, and is responsible for ensuring the public is informed about the Department's activities. DOJ-OPA ensures that information provided by the Department is current, complete, and accurate, and that all applicable laws, regulations, and policies involving the release of information to the public are followed. This is to ensure that maximum disclosure is made without jeopardizing investigations and prosecutions, violating rights of individuals, or compromising national security interests.

Summary of DOJ Media Policy 

  • The DOJ Confidentiality and Media Contacts Policy 1-7.000 (the Policy) applies to all DOJ personnel, including em- ployees, contractors, detailees, and task force partners. DOJ components may also promulgate more specific poli- cies, consistent with and subject to the Policy, which may extend to additional personnel from partner agencies.

  • Disseminating non-public, sensitive information about DOJ matters could violate federal laws, employee non-disclosure agreements, and individual privacy rights; put a witness or law enforcement officer in danger; jeopardize an investigation or case; prejudice the rights of a defendant; or unfairly damage the reputation of a person (1-7.100).

  • Other than as necessary to fulfill DOJ official duties, disclosure of such information to anyone, including to family members, friends, or even colleagues, is prohibited and could lead to disciplinary action (1-7.100).

  • Unauthorized disclosures of sensitive personal or proprietary information could lead to criminal prosecution or administrative action (1-7.100).

  • Each United States Attorney exercises discretion consistent with the Policy as to matters affecting their own district, and has responsibility for all matters involving the local media (1-7.310).

  • Any communication by DOJ personnel with a member of the media relating to a pending investigation or case must be approved in advance by the appropriate United States Attorney or Assistant Attorney General, or their designee, except in emergency circumstances (1-7.400, A).

  • DOJ generally will not confirm the existence of or otherwise comment about ongoing investigations. Except as provided in subparagraph C, DOJ personnel shall not respond to questions about the existence of an ongoing in- vestigation or comment on its nature or progress before charges are publicly filed (1-7.400, B).

  • When the community needs to be reassured that the appropriate law enforcement agency is investigating a matter, or where release of information is necessary to protect the public safety, comments about or confirma- tion of an ongoing investigation may be permissible, subject to approval (1-7.400, C).

  • An investigating agency may not disclose to a member of the news media or general public its recommended charging decision in a criminal case without the approval of the appropriate US Attorney or Assistant Attorney General overseeing the prosecution of the case, or their designee (1-7.400, D).

DOJ and Social Media 

The DOJ and its components use numerous social media platforms to share news, make information and services more widely available, and increase government transparency. Visit USA Social Media Directory to connect with accounts from the 93 USAOs and the DOJ Social Media Directory for accounts from other DOJ components.

DOJ Law Enforcement Agency Overview 

The following DOJ law enforcement agencies regularly coordinate public messaging with local and state law enforcement agencies. View the Department of Justice Organizational Chart for a list of additional DOJ components.

Offices of the United States Attorneys (USAO) 

U.S. Attorneys are appointed by the President to enforce federal laws across the country. The USA is the chief federal law enforcement officer in their district and involved in civil litigation where the U.S. is a party. 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

The ATF protects from violent criminals, criminal organizations, illegal use and trafficking of firearms, illegal use and storage of explosives, arson, bombings, terrorism, and illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products.

Bureau of Prisons (BOP)

The BOP ensures federal offenders serve their sentences of imprisonment in facilities that are safe, humane, cost-efficient, and appropriately secure, and provides reentry programming.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

The DEA is tasked with combating illicit drug trafficking and distribution in the U.S., and coordinating and pursuing U.S. drug investigations both domestically and abroad.

Federal Bureau of Investigation

U.S. Attorneys are appointed by the President to enforce federal laws across the country. The USA is the chief federal law enforcement officer in their district and involved in civil litigation where the U.S. is a party. 

United States Marshals Service (USMS)

The USMS serves as the enforcement arm of the federal courts and is involved in virtually every federal law enforcement initiative including fugitive arrests, asset forfeitures, prisoner operations, and judicial security.

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