August 9, 2023 – The FBI’s director visited Springfield Tuesday and collaborated with local law enforcement leaders on violence prevention strategies for Central Illinois.
Christopher Wray met with local, state and federal agencies, including the Decatur Police Department’s Chief, Shane Brandel, and Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin at the Springfield field office to discuss how the FBI can support efforts to combat violent crime in the area. In addition, Director Wray and Sen. Durbin discussed the importance of reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, set to expire at the end of the year, which protects Americans from international cyber-data collection.
“We appreciate the opportunity to provide an important briefing to Sen. Durbin on the value of Section 702 authorities to the FBI’s critical national security work and the great work being done using these authorities by those investigating national security matters in our Springfield and Chicago field offices,” Director Wray said. “It is crucial that this indispensable national security tool is reauthorized, and we look forward to working with Congress to improve this authority while maintaining its effectiveness in order for the FBI to continue to protect Americans and the Homeland from foreign threats.”
During his meeting with law enforcement partners, Wray addressed the challenges his office has faced while developing strategies to curb violent crime in Central Illinois and across the nation. Current Springfield task forces have had recent successes in combating drug distribution and general community-wide violence, but Wray noted that collaboration is the strongest tool local and national agencies can employ to effectively lower crime rates.
“It will take all of us working together–with all our collective strengths, authorities, and expertise–to stay ahead of the criminals and protect the public,” Wray remarked.
Wray also expressed his gratitude to law enforcement partners for their dedication to public service and presented performance awards to several of the field office’s employees.
“Working in law enforcement isn’t easy these days, and we appreciate the sacrifices you’ve made–and continue to make–to protect your fellow Americans,” Wray told the group. “We’re proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all our law enforcement partners here in Illinois,” he said.
