Special Agents Should be Phased Out as FBI Crime Laboratory Examiners

摘要

The FBI is the only Federal crime laboratory which employs special agents as lab examiners. This is a costly practice, because special agents are higher graded than civilian personnel and receive special retirement benefits. The benefits the FBI claims from using special agents do not justify the added costs. GAO's analysis and discussions with Federal, State, and local laboratory officials, users of the laboratories, and Federal prosecutors showed that the use of agent/examiners is not essential. The Attorney General should direct the FBI to phase out its special agent examiners in favor of acivilian workforce. While significant cost savings are likely, firm estimates of the potential cost savings depend on decisions regarding staffing and compensation.