8-650
Section 364 of the USA Patriot Act
of 2001 amended section 11 of the Federal Reserve Act to provide federal
law enforcement authority for protection personnel at Reserve Banks,
and security officers and special agents of the Board. In June 2002,
the Board prescribed regulations implementing these provisions of
the Patriot Act. As required by the act, these regulations, which
are uncodified, were approved by the attorney general.
The Board has delegated authority
to each Reserve Bank to designate personnel to act as law enforcement
officers under the regulations. The regulations authorize designated
personnel, while on duty, to (1) carry firearms when engaged in protecting
the premises, grounds, property, personnel, or operations of a Reserve
Bank or the Board; (2) make arrests for violations of federal laws;
and (3) access law enforcement information. The Division of Reserve
Bank Operations and Payment Systems will monitor the Banks’ implementation
of the regulations and policies that provide federal law enforcement
authority to Reserve Bank protection officers. Reserve Banks should
have all protection officers who carry firearms while on duty meet
the qualifications for the exercise of this federal authority.
