Publisher's Synopsis
Many federal law enforcement agencies have developed over time and have become major actors in the creation and implementation of policies related to reducing criminal behavior. The agency personnel play an important role in the policy-making process. As the agencies carry out the mandates found in legislation from Congress, they often must define terms or procedures that were unclear or vague in the original law. The agencies have a great deal of discretion to decide the implementation of laws. They are able to define who will be punished, for what acts, and to what extent (how long). The ability to make that determination gives the agencies a great deal of power.
Federal Law Enforcement Agencies in America examines different federal law enforcement agencies that have developed over time. It begins by defining the growth of criminal justice as a federal issue, and the role of bureaucracies in the policy process. Different agencies are presented throughout, describing their history, responsibilities, budget, structure, key personnel, events, etc.throughout. In the end, the reader will have a thorough understanding of the role of federal law enforcement agencies in today's society, and how that role has changed over time.
