Everything Everywhere Daily The Federal Bureau of Investigation
7 snips
Jan 5, 2025 Discover the fascinating origins of the FBI, established in 1908 as a groundbreaking investigative force in the U.S. Learn how the agency evolved from its early days, tackling interstate crimes and the struggles of local law enforcement. Dive into J. Edgar Hoover's controversial impact, including his professionalization efforts and questionable tactics. Explore shifts in the FBI's role post-9/11, as it embraced cutting-edge technologies to combat modern threats while navigating the complexities of civil liberties.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
No National Police Force Initially
- The US didn't have a national police force initially due to historical, cultural, and constitutional factors.
- States held primary responsibility for law enforcement, reflecting state sovereignty and minimizing centralized power.
Early Federal Law Enforcement
- Early federal law enforcement agencies had narrow missions.
- Examples include the US Postal Inspection Service, the US Marshals Service, and the Secret Service.
Need for a Federal Investigative Body
- Increasing interstate crimes like antitrust violations and organized crime necessitated a federal investigative body.
- This was driven by the Progressive Era and limitations of private detectives.