Kash Patel, the F.B.I. director, is advancing a plan to decentralize the agency’s command structure by dividing the bureau into three regions, as detailed in an internal email.
This restructuring will mean that top agents in 52 field offices will no longer report to the deputy director, marking a significant change in operational dynamics. Instead, these offices will report to three branch directors at headquarters overseeing the East, West, and Central regions, while the largest offices in New York, Washington, and Los Angeles will still report to the deputy director.
The email indicates that these changes aim to empower special agents in charge (S.A.C.s) by enhancing leadership connections and engagement. This shift follows a quarter-century of a centralized structure implemented by Robert S. Mueller III after the September 11 attacks, which was designed to address administrative deficiencies and enhance counter-terrorism efforts.
Patel has appointed five branch directors, effectively removing the role of executive assistant directors who previously managed daily operations. His initiative to decentralize is seen as a fulfillment of his promise to reduce the number of F.B.I. employees at headquarters and increase field presence, a move that has garnered praise from President Trump.
The rapid implementation of these structural changes has raised concerns among current and former agents regarding potential coordination issues and intelligence gaps between field offices. Despite skepticism about Patel’s leadership experience, some former executives believe that the new model could improve operations while alleviating the deputy director’s extensive responsibilities.
The changes may assist the new deputy director, Dan Bongino, who has limited experience with the F.B.I.'s complex operations. The restructuring could allow him to focus more on domestic and international investigative activities, a role traditionally filled by a senior agent.
Patel's quick formulation of the plan has been guided by a newly established director advisory team comprised of retired agents, although concerns have been raised about the team's limited senior experience. Previous proposals for a regional model had been discussed prior to Patel's appointment, with some former officials expressing support for his efforts.
As part of the restructuring, Patel has appointed five acting branch directors to oversee the F.B.I., following the abrupt removal of previous executives. Among the new directors is Michael Glasheen, who previously managed counterterrorism efforts in Washington. His role will focus on “field services,” although specific responsibilities remain unclear.
Steven Jensen has also been promoted to manage national security programs, having previously overseen investigations related to domestic terrorism, including the January 6 attack. Critics of the F.B.I. have argued that a more proactive approach prior to January 6 could have prevented the Capitol riots, suggesting that the bureau's failure to connect critical information contributed to the incident.
In a recent speech, President Trump criticized the F.B.I. while highlighting his administration’s actions regarding personnel involved in the January 6 investigations. The investigation itself has been the largest in F.B.I. history, involving thousands of employees and raising concerns about political pressures and the safety of involved personnel.
Critics have noted that the F.B.I. may have missed opportunities to thwart the January 6 attack, highlighting a perceived lack of foresight and connection in assessing potential threats.