From Washington Whispers, November 3, 2003 issue, page 10:
FBI Director Robert Mueller is apparently getting tired of learning key terrorism info from folks outside his team, like those who work for the Justice Department or Homeland Security. So he's got a warning: If his agents aren't the first to tell him what he needs to know, they'll be fired. The result, says a Justice insider: "Every little tidbit of useless information is going to headquarters from the field office, and they're getting inundated."
I thought the whole purpose of the reorganization of "Homeland Security" was to encourage these agencies to share information, so more analysts would have a chance to "connect the dots." Now FBI, by treating its agents as if they were idiots, will probably miss important needles in a haystack of useless information. But agents will be doing their job: feeding the Director with every piece of information they can, before an "enemy" agency can do it. Brilliant.
UPDATE
Here is the FBI Director's reply to US News, printed in the November 17, 2003 edition, page 14:
I was disappointed to read an unfounded "Breaking News" in the Washington Whispers section of your November 3 issue. The article claimed that I was frustrated with the flow of information within the bureau and that I had threatened to fire any FBI agent who failed to provide me with information. I am not frustrated with the flow of information within the bureau. To the contrary, I am proud of the progress in information dissemination within the FBI over the past two years. With the establishment of our Office of Intelligence, the development of a cadre of intelligence and reports officers, and improvements in our information technology, the information between FBI headquarters and the field has never been better. While we continue to refine our intelligence and dissemination processes, the improvements to date have greatly enhanced our ability to protect the nation against terrorist attacks. I have not threatened to fire any agents who fail to tell me terrorism-related information before I hear it from other sources. I have never threatened to fire any FBI employee. Such a threat is inconsistent with my respect for the men and women of the FBI who serve our country so capably.
ROBERT S. MUELLER III
Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, D.C.
