PD_DOJ_Deputy-Administrator-of-the-Drug-Enforcement-Administration

Position Description

Deputy Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of justice

Overview

Senate Committee

Judiciary

Agency Mission

To enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law, ensure public safety against foreign and domestic threats, provide federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime, seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior and ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans.

Position Overview

The deputy administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is responsible for enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States and bringing to the U.S. criminal and civil justice system, or any other competent jurisdiction, those organizations and principal members of organizations involved in the growing, manufacture or distribution of controlled substances in, or destined for, illicit traffic in the United States.

Compensation

Level V $145,700 (5 U.S.C. § 5316)¹ _{The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31, May 5, 2017), contains a provision that continues the freeze on the payable pay rates for certain senior political officials at 2013 levels during calendar year 2017.}

Position Reports to

DEA administrator² _{https://www.dea.gov/about/orgchart.shtml}

Responsibilities

Management Scope

In fiscal 2016, the DEA had a budget of $2.109 billion and 6,587 employees.³ The agency has an international aspect to it. _{Leadership Directories}

Primary Responsibilities

The DEA deputy administrator manages and oversees functions of the department as directed by the DEA administrator. The deputy administrator and administrator should work together to figure out the specifics of each of their roles. In many cases, the deputy administrator serves more as a chief operating officer for the department. The department functions that the deputy administrator may help manage include:
® Enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States and bringing to the U.S. criminal and civil justice systemu2014or any other competent jurisdictionu2014those organizations and principal members of organizations involved in the growing, manufacture or distribution of controlled substances in, or destined for, illicit traffic in the United States
® Recommending and supporting non-enforcement programs aimed at reducing the availability of illicit controlled substances on the domestic and international markets
® Directing and supervising the investigation and preparation for the prosecution of major violators of controlled substance laws operating at interstate and international levels
® Investigating and preparing for prosecution of criminals and drug gangs that perpetrate violence in communities and terrorize citizens through fear and intimidation
® Managing a national drug intelligence program in cooperation with federal, state, local and foreign officials to collect, analyze and disseminate strategic and operational drug intelligence information
® Seizing and forfeiting assets derived from, traceable to or intended to be used for illicit drug trafficking
® Enforcing the provision of the Controlled Substances Act on mutual drug enforcement efforts, in coordination and cooperation with federal, state and local law enforcement officials; and enhancing such efforts by exploiting potential interstate and international investigations beyond local or limited federal jurisdictions and resources
® Coordinating and cooperating with federal, state and local agencies, as well as with foreign governments, on programs designed to reduce the availability of illicit, abuse-type drugs on the U.S. market, through non-enforcement methods such as crop eradication, crop substitution and training of foreign officials
® Overseeing, under the policy guidance of the secretary of state and U.S. ambassadors, all programs associated with drug law-enforcement counterparts in foreign countries, and liaising with the United Nations, Interpol and other organization on matters relating to international drug control programs⁴ _OPM

Strategic Goals and Priorities

[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration]

Requirements and Competencies

Requirements

® Law enforcement background, especially around drugs, particularly if the DEA administrator lacks a strong background in this area

Competencies

® Strong coordination skills given that the deputy administrator works closely with other law enforcement agencies at the federal, state and local levels, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and U.S. attorneys
® Understanding of the organization’s culture, and ability to figure out the best way to work together cooperatively with the above actors
® Ability to represent the U.S. around the world, especially where there are drug issues, and handle the international aspect of this organization
® Ability to handle sensitive matters

Past Appointees

Thomas M. Harrigan (2012 to 2015): Chief of Operations, DEA; Principal Deputy for the Chief of Operations, DEA; Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division, DEA⁵ _{http://docs.house.gov/meetings/GO/GO24/20140304/101878/HHRG-113-GO24-Bio-Harriga
T-20140304.pdf}
Michele M. Leonhart (2004 to 2007): Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Division, DEA; Special Agent in Charge of the San Francisco Field Division, DEA; Recruiter, DEA Headquarters⁶ _{https://ballotpedia.org/Michele_Leonhart}
John B. Brown, III (2002 to 2003): Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Division, DEA; Director, El Paso Intelligence Center; Deciding Official for Disciplinary Matters, DEA Office of Professional Responsibility⁷ _{https://www.dea.gov/pubs/pressrel/pr013003.html}
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