Report: FBI agents cheated on exam

Tue Sep 28, 2010

http://www.presstv.com/detail/144311.html

The US Justice Department has released a report accusing FBI agents and supervisors of “cheating” on an important exam conducted to make sure employees know guidelines.

According to the Office of Inspector General (OIG), "Of the FBI employees that we interviewed about their conduct in taking the DIOG [Domestic Investigations and Operations Guide] exam, 22 cheated or acted improperly in some manner related to the exam," The Washington Post reported on Monday.

The test, taken by around 20,000 employees across the US, covered new rules implemented after the September 11, 2001, for terrorism, criminal investigations and the collection of foreign intelligence.

The Justice Department says FBI employees improperly consulted with others while taking the test.

Others used or distributed answer sheets or study guides that provided the answers to the test.

FBI Director Robert Mueller expressed his disappointment on Monday and said in a statement that the bureau has already taken action against some cheaters.

"When allegations of misconduct relating to the DIOG testing first came to our attention, we moved quickly to investigate, bringing in the Office of Inspector General. In cases where misconduct has been determined, personnel actions were taken, and that process continues," Mueller wrote.

"While the Office of Inspector General has identified a number of factors that contributed to problems with the test-taking, nothing excuses the conduct of those who chose not to comply when instructions were clear," the statement read.

The fresh round of accusations comes amid allegations that the FBI improperly investigated US activists after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The US Justice Department has accused the FBI of providing misleading statements miscasting peaceful protests as acts of terrorism and providing false testimony to Congress.