Letter to Eric Schwaab, Assistant Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Inspector General Reports
Letter
Dear Assistant Administrator Schwaab:
On April 8th, 2010 you announced publicly that former NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement Director Dale Jones was being replaced by an interim Director, Alan Risenhoover. That announcement came after a Department of Commerce Inspector General (IG) investigation found "systemic" problems with NOAA Fisheries Law Enforcement operations, as well as a follow-up IG report on revelations that Dale Jones shredded documents sought by the Inspector General.
The IG report made it clear that new, fair, effective leadership of NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement is essential. However, over a year has passed since Dale Jones' departure and NOAA Fisheries has still not secured a permanent replacement. Furthermore, press reports indicate that NOAA recently reposted the job opening announcement without a requirement contained in prior announcements that the successful candidate have a bachelor's degree. This development certainly raises questions considering that the job pays between $119,554 and $179,000 per year and involves leading a national force of over 200 agents with a budget of more than $50 million. Frankly, many of our constituents are wondering if this indicates that instead of finding the best person for the job, NOAA Fisheries is returning to the cronyism that caused many of the existing problems.
We would appreciate it if you would provide us with an update on the status of the search for a new Director of Law Enforcement, as well as the justification for removing the pre-existing degree requirement. As part of that explanation, we would expect to see information on the degree requirements, or lack thereof, for national law enforcement directors at other federal agencies. We would also like to know the educational credentials of the three previous NOAA Fisheries OLE directors. Thank you for your consideration of this request.
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