From: Truth-Out
By Candice Bernd,
Why does the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) need submachine guns?
The agency's Office of Inspector General (OIG) is seeking .40
Caliber semiautomatic submachine guns. But while many may wonder why
USDA agents need semiautomatic weapons, the OIG's request is not unusual
for other similar and seemingly unlikely federal agencies that are
rapidly becoming armed and equipped with police units of their very own.
USDA OIG spokespeople explained its procurement request to
Truthout by citing a 1978 law that authorizes OIG Special Agents to make
arrests, execute warrants and carry firearms. From 2012 to March of
this year, USDA OIG investigations have obtained more than 2,000
indictments and 1,350 convictions.
The agency also noted in a statement that "OIG Special
agents regularly conduct undercover operations and surveillance. The
types of investigations conducted by OIG Special Agents include criminal
activities such as fraud in farm programs; significant thefts of
Government property or funds; bribery and extortion; smuggling; and
assaults and threats of violence against USDA employees engaged in their
official duties." MORE
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