Fidelity, bravery, integrity.
These are the ideals that create the foundation of America’s law enforcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation handles the intricacies of counterintelligence, counter-terrorism, and criminal investigation. That being said, it is the backbone of U.S. defense, which has nothing but formidable leadership to spearhead its projects. These are the fundamentals the FBI was built on.
In his book, A Chapter in the History of the FBI, Author Jack Levine expands on the vast outlook of the FBI and his idealistic conflicts with the most renowned name in U.S. law enforcement, J. Edgar Hoover.
We sat down with S.A. Jack and he gave us insights into his writing process and his inspiration behind the book.
Beginnings
Jack Levine was born and raised in New York City, where he attended public schools, including Stuyvesant High School, where he was also the captain of their varsity baseball team. He later attended Bucknell University at Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, from 1951-1955 and also played varsity baseball there. He also worked as an investigator for the NYC Department of Welfare and was assigned to the Harlem office. Levine then received a draft notice to report for military duty but prioritized completing law school training without a two-year interruption for military service.
Levine had a thirst for doing something more, something exciting. During our kiss and tell with him, his thoughts turned back to his law school days when he would see notices posted by the FBI on the Law School’s bulletin boards seeking to recruit Agents.
That is when Levine went, “This is what I’m going to do.”
Fast forward, he filled out his application, went through the process, and was accepted as a Special Agent. From there on out, you can say the rest was history.
The Motto
Fidelity. Bravery. Integrity. These three words are the motivating force behind the men and women of the FBI. Over the years, the FBI seal has undergone numerous changes. That being said, this motto remains stagnant as the foundation by which the bureau operates.
When it comes to the directors of the FBI, the story is rather different. It is filled with drama and scandals. The first leader in using the term “director” in the bureau, William J Burns, was known for being the granddaddy of American political scandals, and then, of course, we have Hoover, who worked to satisfy the political presidents and undermine others as he wished.
Jack Levine highlights that because of the various names that have arrived and exited the FBI director’s office, the bureau’s integrity has not survived. He has penned his book because he was too deeply devoted to everything the FBI stands for and wants to point out how the Department of Justice hasn’t been sufficiently motivated by these ideals.
His passion for the FBI became a subject of contention by J. Edgar Hoover, who retaliated against Jack and his criticisms of his policies, resulting in this challenge and desire for reform.
Jack’s book aims to facilitate the United States Department of Justice to appraise the FBI and its duties. He speaks on serious subjects such as the falsification of bureau statistics and the problems in recruitment and selection.
The United States’ law enforcement needs to be streamlined now more than ever.
Jack Levine points out how U.S. justice is too heavily influenced by politics. Why is this the case? Those who are in power wish to remain in power. However, Levine also points out how he believes there is a growing recognition of this issue and a desire for change.
Levine’s book is the catalyst for change, especially when it comes to the law enforcement paradigm.
For Change
Despite the need for change, the author vouches for working in the FBI and describes it as an “inspiring experience.” He heartily recommends it to the aspiring youth of America seeking enrolment in the organization.
Every author has a moment of inspiration that compels them to put their heart and soul onto paper. Jack Levine’s inspiration stems from his hope to give others a direction, a voice.
This notion is incredibly important, especially today when the youth of America are in need of guidance. Jack, with his book, breeds discipline and sows the seed of the FBI’s ideals.
Even when Jack isn’t writing, he is constantly on the lookout for new projects involving the exposure of public corruption and wrongdoing by those who have attempted to profit at the expense of the public. Single-handedly, he is using his voice to emphasize patriotism and a sense of freedom for all those suppressed by the current political standing of the United States.
Change requires fidelity, bravery, and integrity, and Jack Levine is the catalyst.
A Chapter in the History of the FBI is a riveting book, which is also Levine’s swan song in the political literature genre.
Stay tuned for a compilation of enlightening insights courtesy of one of the most inspiring minds of the law enforcement spectrum.
