Final answer:
U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 3332 authorizes the Attorney General to appoint officials for detecting and prosecuting federal crimes. The Patriot Act broadened surveillance powers post-9/11 but isn't directly related to this appointment authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The code that authorizes the Attorney General to appoint officials to detect and prosecute crimes against the United States is U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 3332.
This code is a part of the federal legal system and outlines the powers and responsibilities related to the federal grand jury process, including the ability to appoint such officials to assist in detecting and prosecuting federal crimes. The Patriot Act, another important piece of legislation, significantly broadened federal powers to monitor electronic communications and use surveillance against individuals suspected of terrorism, reflecting the government's response to the 9/11 attacks and desire to enhance national security. However, it is Title 18, Section 3332 of the U.S. Code, not the Patriot Act, that directly pertains to the Attorney General's appointment powers in this context.