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Watchdog finds progress since 'Fast and Furious'

Posted at 9:55 AM, Feb 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-11 11:55:44-05

The Justice Department has made progress since a failed gun-smuggling sting operation known as "Fast and Furious," but more work needs to be done, according to a watchdog report issued Thursday.

The report from the department's inspector general examined how well the department had put in place six recommendations issued in 2012 in the aftermath of "Fast and Furious."

The inspector general found that the department satisfied four of six recommendations but needs stronger policies across all of its agencies on firearms transfers.

The report also suggested that the Drug Enforcement Administration needs to revise its policies on confidential informants.

Under Operation Fast and Furious, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives allowed gunrunners to buy weapons in hopes of tracking them and disrupting Mexican gun-smuggling rings. At least one of the guns was found at the scene of the 2010 shooting death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry in southern Arizona.

Many top bureau leaders were subsequently reassigned following revelations of the botched operation.

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