Department of Justice

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is the federal executive department responsible for overseeing the enforcement of federal laws, ensuring public safety, and upholding civil rights across the nation. Established in 1870, the DOJ operates under the leadership of the Attorney General, who serves as the chief law enforcement officer of the United States. As of August 2025, Pam Bondi holds the position of Attorney General.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the DOJ comprises over 40 separate component organizations and employs more than 115,000 individuals. These components include various law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Additionally, the department encompasses divisions like the Criminal, Civil, Antitrust, Tax, Civil Rights, Environment and Natural Resources, National Security, and Justice Management Divisions.

Mission and Core Values

The DOJ's mission is to uphold the rule of law, ensure public safety, and protect civil rights. Its core values include independence and impartiality, honesty and integrity, respect, and excellence. These principles guide the department's efforts in enforcing federal laws, seeking just punishment for the guilty, and ensuring the fair and impartial administration of justice.

Initiatives and Programs

In addition to its law enforcement responsibilities, the DOJ is involved in various initiatives and programs aimed at addressing critical issues such as:

• Antitrust enforcement
• Asset forfeiture
• Civil rights
• Cybersecurity
• Domestic terrorism
• Elder justice
• Environmental justice
• Gun violence
• Hate crimes
• Human trafficking
• Voting rights

These efforts reflect the department's commitment to addressing a wide range of challenges to public safety and justice.

Locations

The DOJ maintains field offices in all states and territories across the United States and in more than 50 countries worldwide. This ensures a comprehensive approach to law enforcement and justice on both domestic and international fronts.

In Oregon, the DOJ operates a U.S. Attorney's Office located in Salem, OR, serving as the primary federal law enforcement agency in the state. This office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes, representing the United States in civil litigation, and handling appeals.

The Salem office plays a crucial role in upholding federal laws and ensuring justice within Oregon.