Priority Open Recommendations: Department of Justice
Fast Facts
Each year, we make more than 1,000 recommendations to help the federal government save money, address issues on our High Risk List, and significantly improve government operations.
This letter to the Department of Justice outlines 15 open recommendations that it should prioritize. The recommendations relate to combating illicit opioid use, managing the federal prison system, countering domestic terrorism, improving information technology and cybersecurity, and addressing the immigration courts' workforce needs.
DOJ implemented 2 recommendations we identified as a priority last year. We regularly update priority recommendations here.
Highlights
What GAO Found
In May 2023, GAO identified 13 priority recommendations for the Department of Justice (DOJ). Since then, DOJ has implemented two of those recommendations. Specifically, DOJ clarified across its guidance that FBI whistleblowers may make disclosures of wrongdoing to supervisors in their direct chain of command. Issuing a final rule amending its regulations helps ensure FBI whistleblowers are aware that they are protected and that DOJ personnel will address retaliation claims if FBI whistleblowers make disclosures to supervisors. FBI also collaborated with federal and state agency stakeholders to further align its Criminal Justice Information Services Security Policy with National Institute of Standards and Technology guidance that other federal agencies impose as requirements for state agencies. By taking these steps, FBI has helped reduce unnecessary burdens on state officials' time and resources in responding to variances in federal cybersecurity requirements.
In May 2024, GAO identified four additional priority recommendations for DOJ, bringing the total number to 15. The 15 recommendations fall into the following five areas:
- Efforts to combat illicit opioid use,
- Management of the federal prison system,
- Countering domestic terrorism,
- Information technology and cybersecurity, and
- Immigration courts.
DOJ's continued attention to these issues could lead to significant improvements in government operations.
Why GAO Did This Study
Priority open recommendations are the GAO recommendations that warrant priority attention from heads of key departments or agencies because their implementation could save large amounts of money; improve congressional and/or executive branch decision-making on major issues; eliminate mismanagement, fraud, and abuse; or ensure that programs comply with laws and funds are legally spent, among other benefits. Since 2015, GAO has sent letters to selected agencies to highlight the importance of implementing such recommendations.
For more information, contact Jason L. Bair at (202) 512-6881 or bairj@gao.gov.