Final answer:
The FBI established COINTELPRO in 1956 and implemented the Terrorist Surveillance Program for enhanced investigative abilities. Controversies arose regarding the constitutional rights of citizens, leading to reforms in response to scrutiny. Recent efforts also include increased personnel and reforms in immigration and visa security.
Step-by-step explanation:
To enhance its investigative and prosecutive abilities, the FBI has taken various steps over its history. One of the significant steps was the establishment of COINTELPRO (Counter Intelligence Program) in 1956, which aimed to infiltrate and disrupt Communist organizations and later expanded to a variety of other groups. The FBI also increased its surveillance capabilities, which were highlighted during the Bush administration with the implementation of warrantless domestic wiretapping known as the Terrorist Surveillance Program.
The FBI's use of such tactics often sparked controversy regarding the constitutional rights of citizens, specifically their Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Over the years, the FBI's actions have undergone scrutiny, and certain programs have been ended or reformed in response to public and judicial pressure.
During more recent administrations, efforts to strengthen law enforcement have included increasing personnel, such as hiring more ICE officers and Federal prosecutors, and establishing reforms in immigration and visa security. These measures aimed to address new threats and challenges faced by law enforcement in the rapidly changing social and political climate.