WASHINGTON — The ongoing turf battle between the FBI and ATF is getting renewed attention.
ABC News reports that Deputy Attorney General Gary Grindler has fired off a letter saying the ongoing Hatfield-McCoy relationship can cause confusion as to who is in charge at scenes and when trying to defuse live bombs.
“We cannot afford to let any uncertainty about roles and responsibilities interfere with a timely and effective response to explosives incidents,” Grindler said in 8-page memo, which directs the agencies to get along, according to ABC News. “Prior efforts to remedy this situation through protocols and Attorney General memoranda have failed to achieve sustainable, clearly defined lines between ATF’s and FBI’s jurisdiction.”
“Despite the impressive records of both agencies in this mission space, the current situation … must be remedied.”
The problem is certainly nothing new. Instances have popped up from time to time including in March 2003 when North Carolina farmer Dwight Watson brought his tractor to the pond at the National Mall and falsely claimed to have a bomb, bringing part of the District to a standstill for two days. In that instance, FBI and ATF agents argued over jurisdiction.
To read more click here
