NPR

'Criminal Cabal?' FBI Fears Political Attacks May Imperil Work Of Field Agents

Current and former special agents worry that the Bureau's tumble through the political spin cycle might hurt their ability to do their jobs across the country.
Current and former FBI officials worry damage to the Bureau's reputation might make witnesses or others hesitate when dealing with special agents in the field.

It has been called a "criminal cabal" rife with corruption. It's been said that its leaders need to be taken out in "handcuffs." And its reputation, one high-placed official has charged, is "in tatters."

The FBI has come under criticism before, but the ongoing barrage of allegations has left its current and former officials shaken. It also has fueled concerns that the bureau's reputation with the public could begin to crumble.

"We're very concerned about the credibility of the FBI because we're having to defend it on a daily basis and we've never had to do that before," said Chris Swecker, who finished his 24-year bureau career

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