Fewer Agent Transfers Should Benefit the FBI and Its Agents as Well as Save Money

In response to concerns expressed by Members of Congress, GAO undertook a survey of agent transfer policies and programs in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The major area of concern and the focus of the survey was the Career Development Program (CDP). A key feature of this program has been to develop managers by providing broad experience in both headquarters and field environments through mandatory transfers. In essence, the program required agents to serve in permanent assignments in both headquarters and field offices in order to be eligible for the next grade level.