FBI Breaks Law, Blames Ignorant Agents

[yltlatl]

In several cases, the documents released on Monday showed, F.B.I. agents extended investigations and surveillance operations for months without getting approval from supervisors or giving notification.

In another case, an F.B.I. agent still on probation gained access to banking records without getting needed approval, in violation of federal privacy restrictions. In a separate episode, an agency outside the F.B.I., apparently the Central Intelligence Agency, was improperly allowed to conduct a physical search in the United States, without the target's consent, as part of a counterintelligence investigation.

"New agent didn't understand/know rules," read a handwritten note related to one inquiry that was referred to the Intelligence Oversight Board for further action.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/25/politics/25fbi.html

Beautiful.

[DBoon]

1. bring me the head of willie the mail-boy!

Always blame the least powerful individual for any systematic abuse of power or misjudgment.

So common that even Dilbert covered it.

[Mythsaje]

2. Oh, nonsense...

The only rule being followed right now is kissing up to the people in charge.

FBI agents are highly educated and are sent through intensive training before being assigned to the field. Saying that they were ignorant of the rules is a complete fabrication.

Puh-leez

[shraby]

3. As they say, ignorance of the law is no excuse.

At least for us peons.

[Mythsaje]

4. Yup, yup, yup.

I, for one, am not fooled by their disinformation campaign.

Then again, I haven't been yet.