Training Issues At The IRS's Criminal Division

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration released a report yesterday detailing firearms training issues with the Special Agents of the IRS's Criminal Division.

From Reuters on the report:

Armed Internal Revenue Service agents need more thorough firearms training and they need to be more consistent in reporting accidental firings of their guns, said the tax-collecting agency's watchdog on Tuesday.

"Special agents not properly trained in the use of firearms could endanger the public, as well as their fellow special agents, and expose the IRS to potential litigation over injuries or damages," said J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

The inspector general said agents used firearms in self-defense eight times and accidentally fired their weapons 11 times during fiscal years 2009 through fiscal 2011.

 I am reading the report now but I'd say "accidentally fired their weapons" is really negligently filed their weapons. I think the Inspector General agrees with that as well given his statement regarding potential liability for damages.

“It is imperative that Criminal Investigation ensure that all its special agents are well trained,” said J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. “Special agents not properly trained in the use of firearms could endanger the public, as well as their fellow special agents, and expose the IRS to potential litigation over injuries or damages.”