The 1 Thing #2
End use of Summary FBI 302s. Change Policy to Record All Interviews.
FD-302s are forms used by FBI Agents to document the meeting between agents and individuals they interview during an investigation. The 302 is not the verbatim transcript from an interview but a summary of notes from the FBI Agent(s) who conducted the interview. Several high profile cases in the last few years demonstrate flaws with summary notes rather than a verbatim transcript. General Flynn’s investigation is an example of the challenges related to the 302s. In General Flynn’s example, the interviewing agents did not write the 302 for weeks after they interviewed General Flynn. Senior FBI leadership modified the 302s after it was written by the case agents. 302s rely on memory and good notes from agents as well as trust in FBI agents to not alter the notes later. The use of summary 302s is a legacy part of FBI’s investigative process and must be improved.
Recorded interviews allow for verbatim transcripts. Agents do not have to rely on their memory or notes. It is much harder to alter recorded conversations and related transcripts when its recorded. The FBI and the interviewee receive a copy of the recording and the transcript. This action increases transparency in the investigation. It increases freedom and reinforces rights for American citizens. The transparency and increased focus on rights can begin to restore trust in an agency battered by several high-profile political scandals.