Major DOJ Restructuring: Merging Forces Against Crime

The U.S. Justice Department is contemplating a significant overhaul by merging the Drug Enforcement Administration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to enhance efficiency. Other potential changes include cutting some field offices and restructuring public corruption and grant management teams. Feedback is due by April 2.

The U.S. Justice Department is considering a major structural change by merging its agencies responsible for drug and gun law enforcement, following directives from President Trump for government streamlining, according to a memo accessed by Reuters.

Drafted by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, the memo suggests merging the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to improve resource allocation, conflict resolution, and regulatory activities. Blanche has asked for feedback from department officials by April 2. The proposal also calls for eliminating field offices managing antitrust, environmental, and civil cases.

In addition to the proposed merger, the memo outlines plans to reduce staffing in the Justice Department's Public Integrity Section and assign some of its attorneys to various U.S. Attorneys' offices. Further changes include consolidating all grant offices and disbanding the Community Relations Service, which plays a role in easing community tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)