NCJ Number
181801
Editor(s)
Athan G. Theoharis,
Tony G. Poveda,
Susan Rosenfeld,
Richard Gid Powers
Date Published
1999
Length
414 pages
Annotation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has emerged as a powerful agency during the 20th century, playing a central role in law enforcement and the maintenance of domestic internal security, but few scholarly publications based on FBI records research have comprehensively surveyed the agency's history, its important personalities and cases, controversies in which it has been involved, or its portrayal in the media and in popular culture.
Abstract
Consequently, this reference guide provides a comprehensive look at the FBI. Each essay presents an integrated overview of FBI-related developments and personalities, placing in broader context important cases, legislative or policy decisions, media portrayal, FBI relationships with presidents and other elected officials, or FBI relationship with law enforcement agencies. The opening essay on the FBI's role and powers traces the evolution of the agency and provides a context for understanding the impact of particular cases and the basis for specific controversies that are noted. Other essays cover the changing public image of the FBI, FBI facilities and organization, and key FBI personalities. An extensive chronology lists key events from 1789 to the present. Graphs and tables contain statistics on FBI personnel and appropriations. The reference guide is intended for use by those interested in the FBI and 20th century U.S. history. References, tables, figures, exhibits, and photographs