Counterterrorism remains top Justice Dept. concern

[November 15, 2008]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Keeping the nation safe from terrorists remains the top challenge for the Justice Department as its leaders prepare to hand off the huge agency, which includes the FBI, in the first presidential transition since 9/11.

Counterterrorism concerns led the list issued Friday of ten top priorities facing the department in the upcoming year. The list is compiled annually by Justice Department Inspector General Glenn A. Fine, who has rated counterterrorism the most serious challenge since 2001.

Fine's office said the ten concerns are not necessarily ranked in order of importance but added that he "clearly has identified the department's ongoing response to the threat of terrorism as its top challenge."

"In addition, many of the other top challenges are closely related to and impact directly on the department's counterterrorism efforts," said Fine's spokeswoman Cynthia Schnedar.

Those other challenges include: information sharing among intelligence agencies; technology security; and civil rights and liberties.

Additionally, Fine said restoring confidence in the Justice Department remains a concern, although it was listed fifth this year compared with second in 2007.

Last year was the first time Fine's list included restoring public confidence in the once fiercely independent department. Confidence ebbed after months of accusations that top Justice officials had improperly allowed politics to seep into decisions about prosecuting cases and hiring career attorneys. The upheaval resulted in dozens of high-level officials leaving the department and, ultimately, the resignation of former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

Schnedar said Justice "has addressed some of the issues that arose during the previous year."

Still, "we believe the department's challenge continues in restoring public confidence in the department operations, as well as in ensuring a smooth transition to the next administration," Schnedar said.

Other top challenges facing the department, according to Fine's report, include properly managing its finances and grant awards, violent crime, cybercrime and prison policies.

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Fine's report: http://www.usdoj.gov/oig/challenges/2008/final.pdf

[Associated Press; By LARA JAKES JORDAN]

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