By Allan Lengel
The FBI Agents Association has sent a memo to agents concerned about a survey that agents are being asked to fill out regarding their participation in the Jan. 6 cases.
The memo is as follows:
Many of you have heard about the 12-question survey asking about employees’ involvement in January 6 cases. We have confirmed that this is accurate and we anticipate a large majority of our members will receive this (if they have not already). We understand that this feels like agents and employees are being targeted, despite repeated assurances that “all FBI employees will be protected against political retribution.” Employees carrying out their duties to investigate allegations of criminal activity with integrity and within the rule of law should never be treated as those who have engaged in actual misconduct.
Adding insult to injury is that four years ago today, we lost two incredible FBI agents, Daniel Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger, doing the meaningful, yet dangerous work that our members do every day. We remember how dark and tragic that day was. Today, we continue to remember and honor them, their families, friends, and colleagues. While it is nearly impossible to block out the noise right now, we are reminded that like Dan and Laura, we do the jobs we do because it is a calling to protect and serve – and that we believe in protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution of the United States.
Regarding the survey, we are actively working with leadership to obtain additional information about the request. We want to emphasize Acting Director Driscoll’s statement that “Being included on this list in no way indicates misconduct”. If allegations of misconduct were to arise, the FBI has a long-standing and robust process that aims to provide due process in accordance with policy and law. At this point in time, we recommend deferring to your division leadership on how to handle these surveys. In consultation with our FBIAA attorneys and the field, it is recommended that you include the following language in question #11 and chose “other” that provides a free text box:
“The responses in this survey are provided based upon my current knowledge, information and belief. I have been directed to respond to this survey in an extremely short timeframe and with minimal information. Furthermore, all the questions, except one, do not allow for any written explanation. I have been told I am “required to respond” to this survey, without being afforded appropriate time to research my answers, speak with others, speak with counsel or other representation. I have not been advised if these answers are being provided for informational purposes, administrative inquiry, Security Division inquiry or criminal inquiry. I have not been advised of my rights in this matter. To the best of my ability and belief, I have performed my duties in accordance with the DIOG, federal statutes and the Constitution of the United States and the matters I worked on were properly predicated under DIOG and were opened and investigated at the direction of the Department of Justice.”
If this guidance changes, we will immediately communicate such. In the event that further surveys/questions follow, guidance will be provided. We continue to hear rumors of dismissals/security revocations, or individuals who have been told to expect dismissals on Monday. Again, we have no confirmation of any such events. Please be cautious in sharing and spreading what could be misinformation. We do not need any more stress on those potentially impacted.
Again, we cannot stress enough that we are working around the clock for you, our members and will do everything in our power to advocate for each and every one of you. The amount of fear in the workforce right now is palpable. Please know that there are numerous resources available to you including:
- On-call EAP Counselors: Call 202-324-5244 during normal business hours or SIOC at 202-323-3300 and ask to speak with the on-call counselor during other hours
- Crisis Hotline: Call or text 988, web based chat at http://www.988lifeline.org
- Copline: 1-800-267-5463
- Cop-2-cop Hotline: 1-866-COP-2COP
We will message you with updates as soon as we have them. We continue to be here for you and with you each and every day.
