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CNN Live At Daybreak

Ashcroft Outlines Changes in Justice Department

Aired November 09, 2001 - 06:17   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: U.S. Justice officials are taking a single-minded approach to the war on terrorism. Attorney John Ashcroft has announced sweeping changes within law enforcement to better take on would-be terrorists. CNN, Susan Candiotti has details on that plan.

SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: September 11th changed everything, including the main mission of the Justice Department.

JOHN ASHCROFT, U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL (voice over): Defending our nation, and defending the citizens of America against terrorist attacks is now our first and over-riding priority.

CANDIOTTI: The Attorney General promises all necessary resources will be devoted to prevent more attacks, wipe out terrorist networks ...

ASHCROFT (voice over): and to bring to justice those who kill Americans in the name of murderous ideologies.

CANDIOTTI: He unveiled a five-year plan to restructure the Department, some of the changes expected to begin in six months. The plan includes shifting 10-percent of its budget, an estimated $2.5 billion, and pouring it into counter-intelligence. All agencies under orders to do a better job of sharing intelligence gathered. Ten percent of all Federal law enforcement staffers based at headquarters will be re-assigned.

ASHCROFT (voice over): The war on terrorism will not be fought in Washington, but in the field by agents, prosecutors, investigators, and analysts.

CANDIOTTI: The FBI will be reformed, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, restructured. INS already in the throes of an over haul, now under more pressure to protect the Country's boarders. At least three of the 19 identified by the FBI as hijackers had overstayed their visas without being caught.

ASHCROFT (voice over): The Department of Justice will not allow terrorists to use our hospitality as a weapon against the American people.

CANDIOTTI: Other goals -- updating badly outmoded computers so that the FBI and INS can talk to each other, and improving relations with State and local law enforcement. "Sorely needed," says Broward County, Florida Sheriff, Ken Jenne. His department thrust into the hijacking investigation hours after the terrorist's attacks when it was learned that most of the suspects lived in his jurisdiction.

ASHCROFT (voice over): It doesn't do anybody anywhere any good if information is stuck in a computer in Washington, and doesn't get down to the streets.

CANDIOTTI: Attorney General Ashcroft says turf battle like that will have to end as his wartime reorganization begins.

Susan Candiotti, CNN, Washington.

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