FBI’s International Operations - I


October 30, 2009

The FBI provides an overview of the role and responsibilities fulfilled by the International Operations Division and how the program has grown over recent years.


Audio Transcript

Mr. Schiff: The FBI first had offices outside of the United States in the early 1940s. Now the FBI’s International Operations Division, I-O-D, has more than 60 Legal Attaché offices outside of the U.S.

Mr. Joyce: “Our role really is to pursue the FBI’s mission overseas.

Mr. Schiff: That’s Sean Joyce, the Assistant Director of the I-O-D.

Mr. Joyce: “Specifically to confront and defeat threats to our national security [and] the criminal organizations that exist abroad that affect the United States and the United States’ interests.”

Mr. Schiff: Joyce says the FBI’s Legal Attaché’s, known as Legats, are in constant contact with other federal agencies, Interpol, and police agencies around the world.

Mr. Joyce: Whether that’s part of the counterterrorism mission, the counterintelligence mission, or the criminal mission.”

Mr. Schiff: On the Internet at www.fbi.gov there is a lot of information about the FBI’s international operations and Legat offices. I’m Neal Schiff of the Bureau, and that’s what’s happening at the “FBI, This Week.”

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