According to FBI investigation.
According to a classified FBI counterterrorism policy guide obtained by The Intercept, “white supremacists and other domestic extremists” have been joining law enforcement agencies across the United States.
“Domestic terrorism investigations focused on militia extremists, white supremacist extremists, and sovereign citizen extremists often have identified active links to law enforcement officers,” the FBI’s guide states. Detailing the ways the FBI places individuals on a terrorism watch list, the Known or Suspected Terrorism File.
Despite the evident threat posed by these right-wing extremists, law enforcement has failed to acknowledge proper ways to combat, or even address the systemic issue.
“No centralized recruitment process or set of national standards exists for the 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States, many of which have deep historical connections to racist ideologies. As a result, state and local police as well as sheriff’s departments present ample opportunities for white supremacists and other right-wing extremists looking to expand their power base,” The Intercept wrote.
In October 2006, the FBI released an internal assessment noting that white supremacy groups have a history intending to infiltrate law enforcement agencies. The memo contained many redactions, but noted “ghost skins,” or individuals who mask their personal beliefs in order to integrate with society, while still secretly advancing their ideologies.
“In at least one case, the FBI learned of a skinhead group encouraging ghost skins to seek employment with law enforcement agencies in order to warn crews of any investigations,” The Intercept reported.