FBI Under Fire in DOJ Watchdog Report for Errors in Processing Child Sexual Abuse Tips
In its review of a sample of 327 incidents, the audit identified numerous deficiencies, prompting the auditors to flag 42 incidents (13% of the sample) for immediate FBI headquarters review.
A U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) watchdog has issued a critical report regarding the FBI's handling of tips related to "hands-on" sex offenses against children, highlighting significant issues that could hinder the protection of vulnerable minors.
The report, released by the DOJ's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) on August 29, 2023, follows up on deficiencies noted during a 2021 investigation into the FBI’s handling of allegations against former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.
The OIG audit revealed that between October 1, 2021, and February 26, 2023, the FBI opened 3,925 cases involving alleged hands-on sex offenses against children.
In its review of a sample of 327 incidents, the audit identified numerous deficiencies, prompting the auditors to flag 42 incidents (13% of the sample) for immediate FBI headquarters review.
A significant problem identified was the FBI’s failure to meet mandatory reporting requirements. The audit found that in 47% of the incidents reviewed, there was no evidence that FBI personnel had reported suspected child abuse to local or state law enforcement, as required by law.
Similarly, 50% of the incidents lacked evidence of notification to social services agencies.
Despite policy updates requiring the FBI to respond to child sexual abuse allegations within 24 hours, the audit found that 40% of the incidents reviewed did not show evidence of a timely response.
Additionally, the audit noted that 73% of cases transferred between field offices lacked documented verbal contact and confirmed receipt, as mandated by FBI policy.
The report also criticized the FBI’s provision of victim services, revealing that in 36% of cases involving eligible victims, there was no evidence that the victim received appropriate services or updates on their cases.
While the FBI showed high compliance with policies regarding the forensic interviewing of minors, with 95% of interviews conducted by trained personnel, other areas still showed significant lapses.
The OIG report highlighted concerns about high caseloads among agents in the FBI’s Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking (CAC/HT) program, with reports of such crimes on the rise.
The high caseloads were cited as a major factor contributing to cases "falling through the cracks."
In response to the findings, the OIG made 11 recommendations to address these issues, with an emphasis on improving adherence to policies, especially regarding mandatory reporting, case transfers, and victim services.
The FBI concurred with all 11 recommendations and has already taken corrective actions on two of them.
In a statement, the FBI emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of children, calling it a "solemn duty" and affirming its dedication to maintaining public trust by implementing the necessary improvements to its Violent Crimes Against Children program.
