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“It all started with a short memo, dated July 26, 1908, and signed by Charles J. Bonaparte, Attorney General, describing a ‘regular force of special agents’ available to investigate certain cases of the Department of Justice. This memo is celebrated as the official birth of the Federal Bureau of Investigation—known throughout the world today as the FBI.”

Office of the Attorney General, July 26, 1908.

All matters relating to investigations under the Department, except those to be made by bank examiners, and in connection with the naturalization service, will be referred to the Chief Examiner for a memorandum as to whether any member of the force of special agents under his direction is available for the work to be performed. No authorization of expenditure for special examinations shall be made by any officer of the Department, without first ascertaining whether one of the regular force is available for the service desired, and, in case the service cannot be performed by the regular force of special agents of the Department, the matter will be specially called to the attention of the Attorney General, or Acting Attorney General, together with a statement from the Chief Examiner as to the reasons why a regular authorization shall be made for the expenditure of any money for this purpose.

CHARLES J. BONAPARTE,

Attorney General.

www.fbi.gov: A Brief History, (PDF)

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