William Coonce worked for the DEA for 29 years and was special agent in charge of the Detroit Division from 1987 to 1993. His commentary is in response to a story in ticklethewire.com, which said FBI deputy Director John Pistole, Assistant U.S. Attorney Boyd Johnson III and former U.S. Attorney Greg. A. Vega were being considered to run DEA.
- William Coonce
By William Coonce
For ticklethewire.com
As a former DEA agent, I have been appalled that it has taken 7 months into this adminstration for Mr. Obama to finally get around to considering prospects to head the DEA. To consider an Assistant U.S. Attorney or a former U.S. Attorney is the expected routine political pablum, but to consider a current FBI Official is an insult to every DEA agent either on duty or retired.
What expertise does an FBI bureaucrat bring to the table to run an agency that has the expertise, experience and a proven track record to conduct major international drug cases?
Mexico is currently rife with over 10,000 dead bodies at the hands of vicious drug traffickers, a situation that has overwhelming national security concerns for the United States and our citizens, particularly in our border cities.
Does our President not have any appointee that has an interest, background or desire to run this nations premier Drug Enforcement Agency other than some also-ran-hack?
How about considering an individual with experience and a national reputation as a law enforcement adminstrator. Our nation needs it in this time of need and the men and women of DEA deserve better treatment than bland blather.
Notwithstanding my thoughts above, I will paranthetically add that a former FBI Agent by the name of John (Jack)Lawn was then the best DEA adminstrator the agency ever had, and Thomas Constantine, a Former New York State Trooper Adminstrator was the worst.
Mr. Lawn was the best because he was a down to earth citizen who cared. Mr. Constantine was the worst because he was an angry arrogant ass who looked down his nose at federal professionals of whom he was jealous.
In conclusion, I would ask the selection screening committee to think this through and bring an individual with integrity, professional standards and a personal committment to excellence to our agency.
Read Earlier Story on Selection Process
(What Do You Think? Post Comment Below)
Special agent Coonce has a valid argument. I hear his frustration and would have to agree with his views. But what is this really about in the end……not law enforcement, but rather Politics!
Coonce’s argument might be more effective if he didn’t admit that the best DEA chief he ever saw was former FBI official Jack Lawn – kind of contradicts himself. My only question regarding whether John Pistole would take the job has to do with the likelyhood that an FBI Deputy Director would take a demotion to become a DEA “Administrator”. As they taught the new FBI recruits at Quantico “you’re one failed test away from a DEA badge”.