The Central Intelligence Agency says it has taken steps to improve the way the agency handles sexual assault cases after House lawmakers began investigating claims the agency had mishandled sexual misconduct allegations. .
The CIA has named a new director for the office that oversees sexual assault allegations, Taleeta Jackson, a psychologist who held a similar position in the US Navy, and plans to form an internal task force that will seek advice. from outside experts, director William Burns. he said in a statement.
“I have personally met with several affected officers to hear their concerns and solicit their feedback on ways we can improve as an agency,” Burns said. «I have heard these concerns loud and clear, and the appointment of Dr. Jackson is just one of several steps we are taking to address them.»
The announcement came after the ranking Republican and Democratic chairman on the House Intelligence Committee wrote to the CIA asking about allegations that the agency had failed to adequately respond to allegations of sexual assault or misconduct. .
“Sexual assault and sexual harassment have no place in the intelligence community. We must protect our men and women who courageously serve our country and punish those who commit aggression,” Rep. Mike Turner, R-OH, and Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn, said in a statement Thursday.
“We appreciate the CIA’s willingness to work with the House Intelligence Committee and their commitment to implement significant changes within the agency that address this serious issue,” the lawmakers said.
political first reported about the allegations and the House committee investigation.
A staffer approached the House committee in January saying the CIA failed to punish a co-worker who allegedly assaulted her and tried to forcefully kiss her, according to Kevin Carroll, a partner at the law firm Hughes Hubbard and Reed, which is representing the House. one. of pro bono employees. Since then, other employees have contacted the committee with complaints about how the agency responded to her cases, Carroll said.
Carroll called the CIA announcement «a great first step» and praised the agency for appointing Jackson to head the agency’s Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response.
But Carroll said the CIA will have to figure out how to handle future criminal cases to ensure justice for victims and safeguard national security secrets.
«It’s not something that the CIA, which is not a law enforcement agency, can handle on its own,» said Carroll, who said he worked for the spy agency early in his career.
Carroll has alleged that his client and other employees were discouraged from contacting law enforcement about sexual misconduct or advised what to say to authorities.
Without commenting on specific allegations, a CIA official said the agency makes it clear to employees that they can contact law enforcement about sexual misconduct, as well as report an incident internally.
The official added that conversations with employees made it clear that the current process for sexual assault complaints is «confusing» and «not working.»