Appendix Two:

FBI Counterterrorism Responsibilities

 

Introduction

I The Year in Review

II Terrorism in the United States

IV Current Threat

V Current Trends in the United States

Appendix One: Terrorism in the United States Statistics

Appendix Two: FBI Counterterrorism Responsibilities

 The FBI investigates terrorist groups in the United States and acts of terrorism directed at Americans overseas. The Bureau received these responsibilities through a series of presidential decisions and legislative acts. The most important of these include the following:

  • In April 1982, then President Ronald Reagan signed a National Security Decision Directive giving the FBI the responsibility of investigating terrorism in the United States.
  • The Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 addressed the FBI's role in responding to hostage taking.
  • The Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 expanded the FBI's jurisdiction to include investigating acts of terrorism directed against Americans overseas.
  • In 1995, President Clinton signed Presidential Decision Directive 39, entitled U.S. Policy on Counterterrorism which further articulated and defined the roles of members of the U.S. Counterterrorism Community, including the FBI.

Investigating acts of terrorism overseas includes interviewing victims, collecting forensic evidence, and apprehending terrorist fugitives. The FBI coordinates all overseas investigations with the U.S. Department of State and the host foreign government.