Number: RL30252 Title: INTELLIGENCE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT: COUNTERING TRANSNATIONAL THREATS TO THE U.S. Authors: Richard A. Best, Jr., Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Abstract: Since the end of the Cold War, transnational threats, especially terrorism and international narcotics smuggling, have been identified as national security concerns. As such they have been addressed by both law enforcement and intelligence agencies. The joining of law enforcement and intelligence efforts has been complicated by the differing roles and missions, operational practices, and bureaucratic cultures of the two sets of government agencies. This report describes evolving cooperation among these agencies. It notes concerns that civil liberties may be affected by the use of aggressive intelligence collection methods in judicial proceedings and that the extension of law enforcement activities beyond U.S. borders may complicate other U.S. policies. It describes the establishment of coordinative mechanisms within the executive branch, but also notes that some observers believe that fundamental differences between the two communities have not been adequately assessed and that the law enforcement-intelligence relationship has evolved without adequate congressional oversight. Pages: 32 Date: Updated December 3, 2001