Administrator
Posted 16 August 2014 - 12:41 PM
Where's OIG now to investigate who released "law enforcement sensitive information?"
Oh, I guess ATF bosses can't pin THIS on me, so there's no harm in divulging how many FBI agents are coming to town, on what nights they'll be working, and what they will be doing exactly.
EXACTLY...................................No leadership by example here.
Regular
Posted 16 August 2014 - 12:02 PM
http://www.ticklethe...-down-on-gangs/
Why would the FBI bother? First, they should probably not release that they'll be out and about Friday and Saturday nites. Secondly and most importantly ATF has already announced that we are sending 7 new hires to tamp down the violence.
Where's OIG now to investigate who released "law enforcement sensitive information?"
Oh, I guess ATF bosses can't pin THIS on me, so there's no harm in divulging how many FBI agents are coming to town, on what nights they'll be working, and what they will be doing exactly.
Regular
Posted 16 August 2014 - 09:55 AM
With all the unprecedented shootings in Chicago over the fourth, Why doesn't Mr. Jones and Brandon deploy their supercop Frontline surge program there? A surge by ATF is just the thing to end the gun violence. NOT
Regular
Posted 12 August 2014 - 07:36 AM
Sounds like the DOJ is judge-shopping.
Administrator
Posted 11 August 2014 - 11:34 AM
After an 8 year onslaught of abuse, reprisal and retaliation by ATF management, and ATF Chief counsels Office, I was finally to get my day in court. My civil trial was scheduled for Aug 19. Of course the U S Attys Office in San Francisco has done everything possible to not let that happen. But after two years in Judge Hendersons court, final rulings made and pre-trial motions submitted, and dozens of subpoenas issued, we received this order from the court. In essence, my trial date is vacated and a NEW Judge has been assigned two weeks before trial. Does anyone else find this highly peculiar?
Such is life in the big city. They can't run forever.
doc_182_Order_reassign.pdf 46.96KB
14 downloads
Administrator
Posted 11 August 2014 - 11:26 AM
And STILL crickets from Jones Brandon and Turk. Whats very troubling is that they truly don't understand why they are not respected or trusted in the field. They have had multiple opportunities to turn ATF around. But still crickets. This agency may not have always had the BEST leadership, but they WERE honorable.
http://www.ticklethe...er-to-congress/
Administrator
Posted 10 August 2014 - 04:28 PM
My Open Letter to Congress on the 6th anniversary of the arson of my home.
And STILL crickets from Jones Brandon and Turk. Whats very troubling is that they truly don't understand why they are not respected or trusted in the field. They have had multiple opportunities to turn ATF around. But still crickets. This agency may not have always had the BEST leadership, but they WERE honorable.
Regular
Posted 10 August 2014 - 11:03 AM
My Open Letter to Congress on the 6th anniversary of the arson of my home.
http://blog.jaydobynsgroup.com/?p=524
Regular
Posted 10 August 2014 - 08:56 AM
Regular
Posted 09 August 2014 - 12:19 AM
The newly assigned Judge in my civil case against ATF wants time to get up to speed on the case. Therefore, my Aug. 19 trial date has been vacated. Nothing more than an inconvenient delay. They can run but they cant hide.
Find the silver lining in everything, this is good. I understand that you have been assigned a newly appointed Judge and he will be very diligent in making sure he understands everything from a fresh perspective. This isn't a stall, this is a Judge who wants to make sure he gets it right. The truth is on the verge of full exposure, it is just going to take a bit longer to get there. This will be yet another embarrassment for ATF on how they treat their people. The delay is nothing more than an inconvenient speed bump on the way to full accountability.
Administrator
Posted 06 August 2014 - 10:03 AM
Regular
Posted 05 August 2014 - 01:25 PM
That's actually a great idea. Good new is, the New Judge just ordered trial to continue as scheduled.
I hope your trial will be open to the public. Are the bosses subpoenaed? That in my humble opinion will be the BEST way to shine light on the abusive internal practices of ATF management. Either way, once the policy and law violations are captured on the record, you should consider reaching out to the OIG to initiate disciplinary actions. FORCE Jones and Brandon to hold their bosses accountable. Good luck. Its been going on far too long.
Administrator
Posted 04 August 2014 - 06:22 PM
I am sorry that you have to go through that nonsense as I know that feeling myself. It kills me that the DOJ appears to be softer on dangerous criminals then it is on hard working employees. I think a congressman needs to look at proposing a bill amending the law so that it reads, if you use the law to cover up or protect a bad employee, then you should be held personally liable. May be then some of these bad decision will not be made.
That's actually a great idea. Good new is, the New Judge just ordered trial to continue as scheduled.
Regular
Posted 04 August 2014 - 05:10 PM
Check this out:
8 years to get in the system, sidestep all the governments and ATF efforts to delay and manipulate my case against them. As many of you know, I had a firm trial date of Aug. 19. We were scheduled for what we believed was our last pre-trial conference on Monday. Last Thurs we received an order assigning a NEW Judge to my case. Mondays pre-trial conference is cancelled and I have no idea when the new judge will be ready to proceed. Of course this occurred after we sent out 30 or so subpoenas. Well I guess Justice aint so swift. But that's OK, they can run but they cant hide.
I am sorry that you have to go through that nonsense as I know that feeling myself. It kills me that the DOJ appears to be softer on dangerous criminals then it is on hard working employees. I think a congressman needs to look at proposing a bill amending the law so that it reads, if you use the law to cover up or protect a bad employee, then you should be held personally liable. May be then some of these bad decision will not be made.
Administrator
Posted 04 August 2014 - 08:51 AM
Regular
Posted 03 August 2014 - 10:01 AM
I just finished a training series on the keys to success of sports teams and franchises. I couldn't help but translate those lessons to ATF.
The singular key message was that in champion programs success and loyalty starts at the top and becomes contagious throughout the franchise. When athletes are treated well they go above and beyond for their employer.
The Patriots/Belichek, Torre/Yankees, Auerback's Celtics, Walsh/49er's, Levy/Bills, etc. They all treated their employees with honesty and created a sense of security for them. They provide(d) a sense of value to their people. That does not mean they coddled their players. Each of those guys had a hard edge and discipline, when appropriate, was applied with consistency. Their rewards were champion performances and championships.
Two of the best examples of how that mentality can travel - Pat Riley with the Lakers and the Heat. Phil Jackson with the Bulls and Lakers. The theory is that this formula will work everywhere. When provided an environment of care and loyalty stars elevate to superstars and role players elevate into stars. Those guys built teams with all levels of talent and did so with various combinations of players.
If ATF were a sports franchise and the translation could be measured the same - who wants to play for the coaching staff of Jones, Brandon and Turk? Sullivan, Melson, Carter, Hoover and their staffs as well.
Law enforcement is not sports but it is hard to ignore the theory.
Regular
Posted 03 August 2014 - 09:43 AM
THAT is the problem HQ has created and now is confronted by. They created such a toxic environment that our most senior and experienced Agents weren't/aren't staying until mandatory retirement. This has created a HUGE shortage of qualified training officers. (25 agent left the San Francisco FD alone) prior to mandatory. Those remaining agents cant train all the newer agents. Garbage in garbage out.
Right on. abteilung's post captures it. When the vets I came on the job with, the men and women who taught me the job, came to retirement age you had to pry the badge out of their hands. They did not want to leave. Now you have agents marking days off their calendars until their first day of eligibility to go. You have really good agents saying things like - I only have 5 more years until I'm eligible to go. ATF is driving out quality and experience, many with 7 or more years left in their career timelines. That is just not right, and... not a good foundation for the future.
Regular
Posted 03 August 2014 - 07:40 AM
I finally get it. I finally understand why, when a punk little agent/thug assigned to WonderBoy's group in my old Division, wrote all over a piece of mail addressed to me, mocking my career-ending injury ["Do you want somebody to bring this down to you or God forbid you do your job? You might hurt your back"], Division, OPRSO and OIG did NOTHING.
In ATF's mentality, if an agent can be assaulted without repercussions against the offenders, then thug behavior by one of The Boys is perfectly acceptable. As a matter of fact, that thug behavior is now the norm.
At least I locked up bad guys during my career. This punk agent's only exposure to danger was too-hot latte every afternoon at 3PM.
Administrator
Posted 03 August 2014 - 07:14 AM
I have never been able to wrap my brain around how cops can do stuff like this to other cops and then justify it in their own minds regardless of how they feel about someone individually. I had retired agents calling me, volunteering to do the investigation out of their own pockets while those with the ability sat and watched. That old school mentality is what I was raised on in this business. Most of us my age were. Just seems that most have forgotten it.
Regular
Posted 02 August 2014 - 05:49 PM
Here's a good one.
May 2013. I get attacked on a commercial airline flight while traveling on an ATF teaching assignment. A full-on, knock down, drag out fist fight with two Hells Angels who recognized me.
I report the event fully and timely to ATF.
The investigation was assigned to the FBI by the US Attorney. The FBI conducts a preliminary interview with no further follow up.
ATF becomes aware that the FBI did nothing and in turn, does nothing.
I file a complaint stating that an assault on a federal agent took place during the course of his (my) duties and there was no investigation of it.
Today I learned that since I retired in January 2014 and the matter was at that time unresolved, it is no longer considered an event of interest to the ATF or the FBI.
The US Attorney advised me that because no investigation was completed they have no interest. This was a GS-9 level, solvable and prosecutable case. It was an easy one. A softball right over the plate.
This message is not posted as a complaint, a whine or a bitch. It is posted as a demonstration of how things REALLY are at ATF and not how the executives tell the public, the media and Congress they are.
I have never been able to wrap my brain around how cops can do stuff like this to other cops and then justify it in their own minds regardless of how they feel about someone individually. I had retired agents calling me, volunteering to do the investigation out of their own pockets while those with the ability sat and watched. That old school mentality is what I was raised on in this business. Most of us my age were. Just seems that most have forgotten it.
Administrator
Posted 02 August 2014 - 08:35 AM
Here's a good one.
May 2013. I get attacked on a commercial airline flight while traveling on an ATF teaching assignment. A full-on, knock down, drag out fist fight with two Hells Angels who recognized me.
I report the event fully and timely to ATF.
The investigation was assigned to the FBI by the US Attorney. The FBI conducts a preliminary interview with no further follow up.
ATF becomes aware that the FBI did nothing and in turn, does nothing.
I file a complaint stating that an assault on a federal agent took place during the course of his (my) duties and there was no investigation of it.
Today I learned that since I retired in January 2014 and the matter was at that time unresolved, it is no longer considered an event of interest to the ATF or the FBI.
The US Attorney advised me that because no investigation was completed they have no interest. This was a GS-9 level, solvable and prosecutable case. It was an easy one. A softball right over the plate.
This message is not posted as a complaint, a whine or a bitch. It is posted as a demonstration of how things REALLY are at ATF and not how the executives tell the public, the media and Congress they are.
Regular
Posted 01 August 2014 - 11:35 AM
Here's a good one.
May 2013. I get attacked on a commercial airline flight while traveling on an ATF teaching assignment. A full-on, knock down, drag out fist fight with two Hells Angels who recognized me.
I report the event fully and timely to ATF.
The investigation was assigned to the FBI by the US Attorney. The FBI conducts a preliminary interview with no further follow up.
ATF becomes aware that the FBI did nothing and in turn, does nothing.
I file a complaint stating that an assault on a federal agent took place during the course of his (my) duties and there was no investigation of it.
Today I learned that since I retired in January 2014 and the matter was at that time unresolved, it is no longer considered an event of interest to the ATF or the FBI.
The US Attorney advised me that because no investigation was completed they have no interest. This was a GS-9 level, solvable and prosecutable case. It was an easy one. A softball right over the plate.
This message is not posted as a complaint, a whine or a bitch. It is posted as a demonstration of how things REALLY are at ATF and not how the executives tell the public, the media and Congress they are.
Administrator
Posted 31 July 2014 - 12:01 PM
The agency has been failed by so many managers that its almost impossible to recognize the good ones. Our NRT program was tanked and the manager responsible was promoted, (see GAO audit), Fast and Furious resulted in NO significant discipline against ANY managers, ONLY THE WHISTLE-BLOWERS, Our internal EEOC division ignores, manipulates and disregards complaints and fail to respond with findings in the prescribed 180 days, sometimes exceeding 365 days. Thousands of man hours and millions of dollars are wasted in this manner every year.
Case production has dropped to 1980s levels. There have been more Congressional hearings, OSC and OIG investigations of ATF management than any other agency per capita. Our internal affairs acts as the Directors SS instead of an independent investigative body.
The Directors ANSWER..............its the fields fault, NOT a failure of management. This on the heals of stating under oath that SAC BJ Zapor had his complete trust and confidence. The same was said by Hoover and Carter of Mc Mahon, Newell and Gillette. So many moves for managers, (some having several within a cpl years, and a cpl within one yr of their previous transfer. That kind of fraudulent and wasteful spending just to cover-up the managers screw-ups has to stop. NONE of this has anything to do with manpower or matching of skill sets.
FACT: We have just as many agents as we have ever had.
FACT: We have more GS 14 and GS 15 bosses in HQ than ever before.
FACT: Our 1.9 Billion dollar budget cannot seem to fund the same amount of personnel, same amount of jurisdiction, the same amount of field divisions as we did in the 1980s when our budget was around 300 million dollars.
FACT: One fourth of our Special Agent personnel are NOT conducting investigations or making any tangible contribution of our bottom line mission.
FACT: We employ more lawyers than at any time in our history.These are ALL issues the FAAP have taken to Jones and Brandon and have been ignored. EXPLAINS our current dilemma, don't you think?
HOWEVER, they (The U.S. Attorneys Office in San Francisco and ATF counsel) continue to fund their attack on me(while continuing to idle me with no duty's while paying me)(This after the SFFD stated on the record to the OSC that they just dont have enough work to keep me busy). and dozens of others at taxpayer expense. AT THIS TIME, the government is calling (and paying for) over 20 witnesses, and introducing over a hundred exhibits, and wasting U.S District court time to do nothing more than attack me for calling them out. They have given up on attacking the case, the law is NOT on their side, so they are spending untold amounts to once again cover-up, defend and deflect the actions of multiple corrupt managers by merely calling me names, (Many of whom have either been fired, forced to retire).
We will see when this is over whether and of their top executives will be fired, demoted or forced to retire in accordance with ATF policy. Congress is prohibited from doing anything but monitoring this case right now. BUT, once it is public record, we may see a new round of inquiries coming at ATF senior leadership.
That being said, the fact that Ms. Donna Read the Director of the National lab still has her job after a formal finding of discrimination is somewhat perplexing.
Administrator
Posted 31 July 2014 - 11:13 AM
Your point leads to the next. We have all these military guys at the top, Jones, Brandon, Turk. I respect and honor their military service and that of all our military veteran agents. But, civilian law enforcement is not the Army or Marines. Agents are not going to snap to attention as you pass by regardless of how they feel about you, just based on your stripes. Those guys want it that way but that is just not how it is.
Agents will offer opinion and question the orders and direction of their executives which is not an option for soldiers. Look at the academy for example. Trainees are treated like they are in boot camp. They are not 18 year old kids who need a boot in their ass. They are college educated and highly pre-qualified, pre-motivated recruits. Some of these executives get off on barking orders, etc. Does that make you a better agent? Does that make you a more productive employee? I'm not sure it does.
How can you lead by example when you openly disregard the well-being of your employees, lie to them, disrespect their commitment and service and then ignore the rules, laws and policies of the agency and the country?
They drink the Kool Aid, get the promotion and all of a sudden the only way is their way. The only opinion that counts is their opinion. They can't admit a mistake and attack anyone who says they made one. What they fail to recognize is that they may see the respect they expect to their faces but it is a mask. Behind their backs they are laughed at, mocked and disrespected. I, on the other hand, chose to just do those things in the open. Don't do that. It gets you crushed. Play the game. My life would have been different if I'd not challenged them. It will be a much more peaceful ride if you can live with yourself while being silent on the idiocy. I couldn't and paid the price.
Once again, our leadership is exposed for non accountability, shoddy leadership and its all scoffed at by Mr. Jones, Brandon and Turk. If they are not going to lead, leave.
http://www.jsonline....campaign=buffer
Regular
Posted 30 July 2014 - 07:34 PM
Well said Jay. Yes it is very frustrating when the "leaders" don't want to listen despite the fact they don't know the history of their new city and the issues within it. Does anyone remember the lessons from Viet Nam? Put the ego in check and listen. We have some smart people in this organization and they do not appreciate the disrespect of being ignored.
Your point leads to the next. We have all these military guys at the top, Jones, Brandon, Turk. I respect and honor their military service and that of all our military veteran agents. But, civilian law enforcement is not the Army or Marines. Agents are not going to snap to attention as you pass by regardless of how they feel about you, just based on your stripes. Those guys want it that way but that is just not how it is.
Agents will offer opinion and question the orders and direction of their executives which is not an option for soldiers. Look at the academy for example. Trainees are treated like they are in boot camp. They are not 18 year old kids who need a boot in their ass. They are college educated and highly pre-qualified, pre-motivated recruits. Some of these executives get off on barking orders, etc. Does that make you a better agent? Does that make you a more productive employee? I'm not sure it does.
How can you lead by example when you openly disregard the well-being of your employees, lie to them, disrespect their commitment and service and then ignore the rules, laws and policies of the agency and the country?
They drink the Kool Aid, get the promotion and all of a sudden the only way is their way. The only opinion that counts is their opinion. They can't admit a mistake and attack anyone who says they made one. What they fail to recognize is that they may see the respect they expect to their faces but it is a mask. Behind their backs they are laughed at, mocked and disrespected. I, on the other hand, chose to just do those things in the open. Don't do that. It gets you crushed. Play the game. My life would have been different if I'd not challenged them. It will be a much more peaceful ride if you can live with yourself while being silent on the idiocy. I couldn't and paid the price.
Regular
Posted 30 July 2014 - 06:23 PM
Quick thought, one person, you may agree or disagree.
A big picture assessment of the dissatisfaction of the structure of ATF is that Agents and field employees are no longer content to be the 'tail' of the organization.
Superior titles and the chain of command are important and essential but when the commanders fail to honor their duties or respect their subordinates a mutiny has risen.
Agents are no longer willing to be told "how it is" without a real explanation and then having that explanation followed through on.
They want to be a part of the 'head' and have meaningful input, most especially after having stood by and had their agency, the bureau they commit their energy and passion too, derailed and manipulated behind their backs. (Don't go FAAP on me. We know what that is. It's a bluff by management and false sense of ownership created to quite the ranks.)
There will always be a "Director", DAD, AD's, and so on. There needs to be. But, the field is no longer content to believe the lies of happiness and progress when they see none.
ATF can survive behind the performance of its field employees. Don't forget that YOU are ATF. Without YOU, no one gets investigated, arrested or prosecuted.
ATF can survive without the present bungling in HQ but not without the performances in the field.
Jones and company need to take a lesson in servant leadership. (from Wiki) "Servant leadership is both a leadership philosophy and set of leadership practices. Traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the “top of the pyramid.” By comparison, the servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible."
Just my opinion.
Well said Jay. Yes it is very frustrating when the "leaders" don't want to listen despite the fact they don't know the history of their new city and the issues within it. Does anyone remember the lessons from Viet Nam? Put the ego in check and listen. We have some smart people in this organization and they do not appreciate the disrespect of being ignored.
Regular
Posted 30 July 2014 - 11:12 AM
Quick thought, one person, you may agree or disagree.
A big picture assessment of the dissatisfaction of the structure of ATF is that Agents and field employees are no longer content to be the 'tail' of the organization.
Superior titles and the chain of command are important and essential but when the commanders fail to honor their duties or respect their subordinates a mutiny has risen.
Agents are no longer willing to be told "how it is" without a real explanation and then having that explanation followed through on.
They want to be a part of the 'head' and have meaningful input, most especially after having stood by and had their agency, the bureau they commit their energy and passion too, derailed and manipulated behind their backs. (Don't go FAAP on me. We know what that is. It's a bluff by management and false sense of ownership created to quite the ranks.)
There will always be a "Director", DAD, AD's, and so on. There needs to be. But, the field is no longer content to believe the lies of happiness and progress when they see none.
ATF can survive behind the performance of its field employees. Don't forget that YOU are ATF. Without YOU, no one gets investigated, arrested or prosecuted.
ATF can survive without the present bungling in HQ but not without the performances in the field.
Jones and company need to take a lesson in servant leadership. (from Wiki) "Servant leadership is both a leadership philosophy and set of leadership practices. Traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the “top of the pyramid.” By comparison, the servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible."
Just my opinion.
Regular
Posted 30 July 2014 - 05:52 AM
FYI,
You all have a right to file FREEDOM OF INFORMATION requests. The LAW states ATF MUST respond within 20 days. They are ignoring Agent/employee FOIAs. You can file a civil action for a small filing fee and FORCE them to provide the information AND receive damages. Several Agents have done so successfully. CUATF has access to tips to assist you all should this be your predicament. It is very unfortunate that what previously (a decade ago) was one of, if not THE most professional and effective law enforcement agency in the World, now feels that they are above the law. They have said in court during these type proceeding that it is a manpower issue. The courts are calling BULLSHIT on that. And so am I.
Can you contact me through this website on how to do this? I filed a FOIA in 2012 and am still waiting. DOJ OIG acted on my request to them for THEIR records, and they responded in a couple of months.
Administrator
Posted 29 July 2014 - 05:55 PM
FYI,
You all have a right to file FREEDOM OF INFORMATION requests. The LAW states ATF MUST respond within 20 days. They are ignoring Agent/employee FOIAs. You can file a civil action for a small filing fee and FORCE them to provide the information AND receive damages. Several Agents have done so successfully. CUATF has access to tips to assist you all should this be your predicament. It is very unfortunate that what previously (a decade ago) was one of, if not THE most professional and effective law enforcement agency in the World, now feels that they are above the law. They have said in court during these type proceeding that it is a manpower issue. The courts are calling BULLSHIT on that. And so am I.
YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP.
Since you brought up manpower..................As most of you know, the OSC is defending my proposed termination case. I am and have been on restricted duty for two yrs. and was sitting completely idle for two yrs before that. Drawing FULL pay with no duties. Recently, ATF approached the OSC in an attempt to return me to duty, (with my trial weeks away, go figure). The point of this post, is that ATF IN WRITING said there wasn't enough Special Agent work in the San Francisco field division to keep me busy. REALLY? We are crying to Congress that we have no bodies, and Mr. Riehl and crew go on record thru Chief Counsel that there's no work. REALLY? Guess they'll be getting no new hires.
Regular
Posted 29 July 2014 - 05:25 PM
FYI,
You all have a right to file FREEDOM OF INFORMATION requests. The LAW states ATF MUST respond within 20 days. They are ignoring Agent/employee FOIAs. You can file a civil action for a small filing fee and FORCE them to provide the information AND receive damages. Several Agents have done so successfully. CUATF has access to tips to assist you all should this be your predicament. It is very unfortunate that what previously (a decade ago) was one of, if not THE most professional and effective law enforcement agency in the World, now feels that they are above the law. They have said in court during these type proceeding that it is a manpower issue. The courts are calling BULLSHIT on that. And so am I.
Regular
Posted 29 July 2014 - 05:03 PM
THIS is what happens when you refuse and disrespect the United States Congress. Mr. Jones et al have obviously ignored Congress ONE too many times. A little less time fighting Agents and a little more time cleaning up their messes and who knows what could happen to this outfit. Congress is not going to stop pounding on ATF until they get some sincere cooperation.
Not surprising. They parade Sen. Durbin through the intel group after cleaning it up, buying a cpl new computers and monitors and make big noise about all the cool data bases we are using, (most of which we have been using for 15 yrs or so) and hold a half dozen press conferences. This and the PUBLICIZED assigning of 7 agents to Chicago FD to beef up our violent crime efforts and in the process disclose our manpower assets in the field division. THAT MY FRIENDS IS LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE INFORMATION. I am reasonably certain the assignment of 7 NEW HIRES will have minimal impact for at least 3 yrs. as that is the official training period. ALWAYS SMOKE AND MIRRORS. ALL SHOW AND NO GO.
Administrator
Posted 29 July 2014 - 04:25 PM
THIS is what happens when you refuse and disrespect the United States Congress. Mr. Jones et al have obviously ignored Congress ONE too many times. A little less time fighting Agents and a little more time cleaning up their messes and who knows what could happen to this outfit. Congress is not going to stop pounding on ATF until they get some sincere cooperation.
http://oversight.hou...un-Database.pdf
Regular
Posted 25 July 2014 - 03:52 PM
Based on USAToday's logic, the SEC unfairly targets rich white males.
Where is PGA to counter the negative publicity? Too busy readying their resumes for post-G careers on K Street?
Administrator
Posted 25 July 2014 - 09:12 AM
Both the Times and the USA Today articles are off base and poorly researched.
If our case numbers are down, its probably due to losing people to retirement over the past few years and a drop in cases being accepted for prosecution by US Attorney's Offices. This administration has not exactly been hard on criminals. Look at their efforts to do away with mandatory minimums. Pathetic.
I also disagree quite a bit about the insinuation that ATF targets minorities in these stings. These stings are done in neighborhoods that warrant the use of the technique and those happen to be largely occupied by people of color. The intent is to make those neighborhoods safer. Having said that, I do agree that these techniques are over used. We used to reserve them for the worst offenders and now it seems that we are doing them way too often and the work has gotten sloppy. Whether or not that is because HQ is trying to push these cases to inflate numbers is another story and if that's the case then it is a problem.
I think you hit the nail on the head. Running too fast w/o knowledgeable supervision tends to lead to sloppy results.Because there are no standards written or unwritten from HQ and no oversight, those type cases were being used far too indiscriminately. We are not a one size fits all agency. Therefore you have to be able to trust that the field management staff knows when to say when.
Regular
Posted 25 July 2014 - 12:02 AM
http://www.washingtontimes.com
Goodworker and Abeitlung, apparently the TIMES agrees with you guys. Risk averse? Seriously? We are ATF, its what we do. Sequester doesn't have anything to do with dropping numbers. They have run off virtually every senior experienced Agent and promoted inexperienced yes men into management. Interesting no one would talk to the Times EXCEPT anonymously due to fear of retaliation. Go figure.
ATF's dream target is a 3-strike, drug addict, violent offender with a machine gun and a pipe bomb in his back pocket. Doesn't really matter what color he or she is.
Regular
Posted 24 July 2014 - 05:46 PM
Administrator
Posted 24 July 2014 - 07:27 AM
Regular
Posted 23 July 2014 - 07:21 PM
I'll just say this and let others opine: Every arson and explosives case I ever investigated and cleared involved white males. Some were lower class, but some were also upper middle class [arson-for-profit]. I have no qualms about my investigations. Now there was one arson in which Egyptians were "persons of interest" and the FBI approached ME for assistance. But the WonderBoy who was the Acting ASAC shut that case down even when one of the Egyptians offered to come in for a proffer.
{But then again, WonderBoy [aka Prince of the City] never did a case in his life. TFO's did all the work, and when those TFO's retired, WonderBoy went into Management immediately.}
If anyone wants to point fingers at what cases are investigated, point those fingers at Management.
Abteilung you are absolutely correct about managers not understanding investigations and the case potential. They are afraid of something going wrong which may impact their next promotion. Just because they have not done this type of investigation, they want to say no. Risk adverse "leaders" are a joke.
Regular
Posted 23 July 2014 - 08:06 AM
I'll just say this and let others opine: Every arson and explosives case I ever investigated and cleared involved white males. Some were lower class, but some were also upper middle class [arson-for-profit]. I have no qualms about my investigations. Now there was one arson in which Egyptians were "persons of interest" and the FBI approached ME for assistance. But the WonderBoy who was the Acting ASAC shut that case down even when one of the Egyptians offered to come in for a proffer.
{But then again, WonderBoy [aka Prince of the City] never did a case in his life. TFO's did all the work, and when those TFO's retired, WonderBoy went into Management immediately.}
If anyone wants to point fingers at what cases are investigated, point those fingers at Management.
Administrator
Posted 22 July 2014 - 09:09 AM
CALLING BULLSHIT
First of all, ATF DOES NOT nor has it ever targeted a race or group of people. WE TARGET high crime areas and/or criminals. The below USA Today article has taken ONE technique and applied it to every investigation nation wide. Leaving out our investigations against Aryan brotherhood, outlaw biker gangs, the KKK and militias. Are we then targeting white people or white CRIMINALS.
While stationed in Atlanta, Ga. I was once approached by a supervisor who actually had the gall to suggest too many of my defendants were black. Yes he was a black supervisor. This floored me because I had just come off a 1 yr+ investigation resulting in the closing of the Atlanta chapter of the Outlaws MC. I had also prior to that been undercover with the KKK. My point is, if you pick and choose the statistics you want to use you can paint ANY picture you want. Our then gang squad was directing our efforts toward HIGH CRIME southeast Atlanta. I found myself explaining to said supervisor, "but sir, southeast Atlanta where all the violence is happening is primarily black".
Had USA today measured the statistics in Nebraska, Idaho or Montana, I suspect their findings may have been different. FYI USA today, RACE is NOT a criminal defense.
http://www.usatoday....iling/12800195/
Administrator
Posted 21 July 2014 - 11:26 AM
No surprise DOJ/ATF have not responded to A Ranking member of Congress
Not surprising After Mr. Jones earlier threatening communications to the entire field, and then the latest and greatest Non-Disclosure agreements inside ATF that are mandatory. However, EVERY ATF employee should read and adhere to Sen, Grassleys protections. They are not requests, THEY ARE LAW, inserted in our appropriations. As pointed out, ATF internal policies DO NOT trump Federal policies or law.
sen-grassley-letter-to-osc-re-wpea-anti-gag-provision-review-1.pdf 137.98KB
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Regular
Posted 17 July 2014 - 09:52 PM
At least Ron Turk signed yours [or it appears to be his signature]. He had Melvin King sign for him on my retirement letter.
But on the other hand, I received my retirement gifts within a month, and not seven months later. But I'm surprised they actually had my creds and badges. They were so hell bent on making me into an IA after my LOD injury, I figured they had already destroyed my agent gear.
Haha. Simple games played by simple people. I laugh and smile every day. That light at the end of the tunnel is not the new day. It is my freight train and I intend to make every single one of them feel what they made me (us) feel.
Regular
Posted 17 July 2014 - 11:35 AM
At least Ron Turk signed yours [or it appears to be his signature]. He had Melvin King sign for him on my retirement letter.
But on the other hand, I received my retirement gifts within a month, and not seven months later. But I'm surprised they actually had my creds and badges. They were so hell bent on making me into an IA after my LOD injury, I figured they had already destroyed my agent gear.
Regular
Posted 17 July 2014 - 12:39 AM
From http://blog.jaydobynsgroup.com/
Form Letter, Mock or Joke; you decide
This is the letter that accompanied my retirement badge and credentials.
It is signed by the guy who tried to give me five days off (no due diligence, investigation or research, nada) for getting the Director butt-hurt by calling out his golden-boy John Torres (I was completely accurate btw) – actually flew me to his office in DC just so he could lay the wood face to face like a good order taking bully-puppet – that is until Chairman Issa wrote a letter to Holder and told him ATF can’t retaliate, at least not out in the open, haha. Brandon covered for him like it was all a misunderstanding and told me not to use bad words, haha again.
The last two sentences/paragraphs are the best. Appreciation for my valuable service? Shoulda been at the trial Ron because the Bureau and DOJ painted me as the posterboy as the worst possible agent ATF had to offer. Best wishes in my retirement? Last I checked you were still trying to cave my head in for your mistakes.
You just gotta laugh.
Administrator
Posted 16 July 2014 - 10:33 AM
It was official in January but official-official today. I recieved my retirement badge and creds in the mail. In spite of the troubles I am proud to have worked here. Thank you to all who mentored, partnered and supported me over the years. The only memories that will last are the good ones.
Congrats my brother. You earned em for sure.
Regular
Posted 16 July 2014 - 02:20 AM
It was official in January but official-official today. I recieved my retirement badge and creds in the mail. In spite of the troubles I am proud to have worked here. Thank you to all who mentored, partnered and supported me over the years. The only memories that will last are the good ones.
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Regular
Posted 15 July 2014 - 06:56 AM
Amen. I second that.
Ditto
Regular
Posted 14 July 2014 - 10:01 PM
If ATF is disolved or absorbed it is not the hard working agents that need to worry. The shallow, hollow, fake executives are the ones who are not going to be able to compete with their contemporaries.
How many of ATF's shotcaller executives leave ATF to find admirable employment as important executives in private industry? How many compared to those who leave the FBI or DEA or the Secret Service? Private industry can smell a fraud holding a bullsh*t resume that can't stand up to a mild due dillegence examination.
Good luck to the cowards and sissies who call themselves leaders if ATF goes away. FBI don't want you based on what you did to ATF and private industry can't afford to have your wreck their company like you did ours.
Regular
Posted 14 July 2014 - 09:46 PM
Jim Lightfoot There has been an ongoing effort to kill ATF for years. However, in the past the agency has come together with its champions in the Congress and turned those efforts back. Today the top brass appears to be in agreement with those that think ATF should go. Putting ATF in DOJ was step one on this road to destruction. For one, creating a huge law enforcement agency that is responsible for all laws with only one Director is a threat to our freedom. Like medicine, under the old system we had a panel of "specialists" to go to i.e. ATF = Firearms and Tobacco Law, USSS = Counterfeiting, FBI = Kidnapping and the list goes on. Under the "Super Cop" scenario a President bent on ruling rather than governing our country has but one person to sway his/her way, the Director, and that President has the most powerful method to rule a populace at their fingertips. It is no longer law enforcement to protect the people, rather it is law enforcement to rule/control the people. Bill Clinton tried this and was resoundly defeated. No doubt ATF does not have a large fan base and it becomes more of an uphill battle when top management appears to be doing everything in its power to destroy the agency from within. The shortsightedness of Congressmen/women that do not see the danger in rolling ATF law enforcement responsibilities into FBI or whatever never fails to astound me. You don't have to be bright to get elected, just be the person with the most votes.
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