Proposed DEA, ATF Merger Would Be Significant Change for Managers
Merger Memo
As part of the ongoing restructuring of the federal government, Department of Justice (DOJ) leadership has proposed combining the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) into a single agency. According to a memo from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, reorganization is necessary to make resources, case deconfliction, and regulatory efforts more efficient.
If the merger does indeed go forward, managers at DEA and ATF will be expected to navigate these changes while maintaining current standards. The last major reorganization of federal law enforcement occurred in the aftermath of 9/11, when the Department of Homeland Security was created and a number of agencies were moved, split, or combined. While the new structure eventually became the status quo, there was a significant operational adjustment period for all officers in an involved agency. Responsibility for communicating all of this information, and ensuring agents are following the correct procedures of the combined agency, would ultimately fall upon management. When this happens, it is crucial that federal managers have the protection they need – a professional liability insurance (PLI) policy from FEDS Protection can help.
Distinct Duties
While the DEA and ATF often work together, they are tasked with distinctly different missions. The DEA is focused on enforcing the nation’s laws around drugs, with agents working to combat criminal drug networks. The ATF investigates violent crime, arson, bombings, and gun trafficking and provides technical expertise tracing guns used in crimes.
Combining agencies that have different goals may create confusion amongst employees about their professional priorities, especially if management, colleagues, and resources they are accustomed to are no longer available. Agents may be left wondering what their objectives are, who to report to or take orders from, and what the appropriate procedures are for any given case.
Managers’ Misfortune
Federal managers would be faced with pressure to make new agency arrangements work. DEA and ATF employees will be challenged to balance their caseload with learning how to operate in their new operational structure. Despite also following new processes, federal managers will need to navigate effective communication to their employees.
If mistakes are made, managers will be subject to allegations and investigations for their actions taken and instructions given based on the evolving administration. Allegations and investigations can lead to disciplinary actions – which may lead to suspensions and terminations – being taken against you, or personal capacity lawsuits. If an allegation is made against you, it is a necessity, not luxury, to have knowledgeable and effective counsel advocating on your behalf.
Protecting Personnel
As the professional liability insurance (PLI) provider endorsed by the leading federal employee associations, FEDS Protection offers federal employee PLI policies with $1 million, $2 million, or $3 million in civil liability protection for attorney’s fees and indemnity costs in the event you are sued in your civil capacity. The FEDS policy also includes $200,000 of legal representation coverage for administrative actions and $100,000 of coverage for criminal defense costs.
Annual premiums for FEDS Protection PLI start at $290. Additionally, federal managers, supervisors, and law enforcement officers are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 50% the cost of their PLI policy through their agency. To learn more about how a FEDS PLI policy can protect you and your career, visit www.fedsprotection.com or call (866) 955-FEDS, M-F 8:30am-6pm to speak directly to a representative.
*This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
