DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
UNITED STATES LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
Origins
- Founded on May 15, 1862 by President Lincoln
- President Lincoln signed it into law an act of congress established the USDA
- The first commissioner of agriculture was Issac Newton appointed by Lincoln
Changes
- They have many different law enforcement agencies dealing with speciality areas. such as; Forest preservation, food inspection, and farming.
- All the policies have changed with the times to adapt with the technology
Their Mission
- Their enforcement agency is the United States Forest Services.
- Protect the public, employees, natural resources, and other property under the jurisdiction of the forest service.
- Investigate and enforce applicable laws and regulations which affect the national Forest System.
- Prevent criminal violations through informing and educating visitors and users of laws and regulations.
- Preserve our nation's natural resources.
- Improve and protect watersheds and private lands.
Qualifications to Become an Agent
- All agents receive training from Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)
- Experience- in law enforcement or specified field
- Education- a bachelors degree in that specific field or related to the job is equivalent to experience
Leadership Structure
- They have 2 secretaries, 7 agencies, 9 offices.
- The current leader is Tom Vilsack
- To become the Secretary of Agriculture you must be appointed by the president. Since it is a part of the Cabinet.
Case
- September 18, 2012- a multi-agency manhunt for the man who allegedly raped a woman in the Nantahala National Forest.
Problems with Law Enforcement and Investigations Unit (LEI)
- Not known for workplace contentment
- ranked 15/19 among the federal agencies for best places to work
- ranked 261/301for satisfaction with teamwork, pay, and leadership
- Agents have a lot of distrust in the management