Reading Room Document

Responsibility and Authority of FBI Agents to Respond to Criminal Offenses Outside the Statutory Jurisdiction of the FBI

This document discusses the responsibility and authority of FBI agents to respond to criminal offenses outside the statutory jurisdiction of the FBI. The conclusion reached is that FBI agents have no Federal authority to take action in response to non-violations of Federal law, but they have authority and legal obligation under State law to act in response to local criminal offenses. The document also addresses the Department of Justice's representation of employees and the payment of money damages in civil actions. It also discusses the potential criminal proceedings under 18 U.S.C. § 111 against those who assault FBI agents intervening in State or local offenses. The document suggests that manual instructions should be issued to FBI agents, outlining the conclusions reached in the opinion, and advising them of the potential risks and limitations of their authority in intervening in local offenses.

February 24, 1978