Rule Changes Would Give FBI Agents Extensive New Powers

[tannybogus]

<snip>
The changes would give the FBI's more than 12,000 agents the ability at a much earlier stage to conduct physical surveillance, solicit informants and interview friends of people they are investigating without the approval of a bureau supervisor. Such techniques are currently available only after FBI agents have opened an investigation and developed a reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed or that a threat to national security is developing.

Authorities say the changes would eliminate confusion for agents who investigate drug, gang or national security cases.

The overhaul touches on several sensitive areas. It would allow, for example, agents to interview people in the United States about foreign intelligence cases without warrants or prior approval of their supervisors. It also would rewrite 1976 guidelines established after Nixon-era abuses that restrict the FBI's authority to intervene in times of civil disorder and to infiltrate opposition groups.

"We wanted simpler, clearer and more uniform standards and procedures for domestic operations," said a senior Justice Department official. "We view this as the next step in responding to post-9/11 requests that the FBI become better at collecting intelligence and using that intelligence to prevent attacks."
<snip>
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/11/AR2008091103306_pf.html

effing police state. wonder if Blackwater will get badges?:rant:

[mmonk]

1. They better not come even close to bringing any bullshit searches

to my house. The ACLU will have another lawsuit to represent.

[DCKit]

2. Federal Bureau of Cowboys? WTF? n/t