Although the Roosevelt administration was concerned with the economic recovery of the Nation from the Depression, another real problem considered was the increasing crime wave of the era.
Special Agent, "Hank" Sloan (left) at the long forgotten U. S. Army/FBI training camp at Ft. Washington, still being utilized in 1935 with other camps in the WDC/Maryland area. (photo courtesy Sloan family)
Attorney General at the time, Homer Cummings, led a crusade for the Administration in the area of Federal legislation with his Twelve Point Crime Program, commonly referred to as the 1934 Crime Bills. This legislation provided expanded Federal jurisdiction over a variety of crimes, among other areas, and laid the enforcement of it all at the doorstep of the FBI.
One of the many areas of expanded jurisdiction for the Bureau was in the area of carrying weapons.
We address the myth created with regard to the FBI's authority to carry weapons, and the "story behind the story" - if you will. Even today, the myth holds firm with many crime enthusiasts.
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