Justice Manual § 1-13.100

United States Attorneys' offices and Department litigating divisions must submit Urgent Reports to inform Department leadership, including the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General, of (1) major developments in significant investigations and litigation, (2) law enforcement emergencies, and (3) events affecting the Department that are likely to generate national media or Congressional attention. Urgent Reports should be brief but contain at least the following information:

A brief description of the general nature of the matter, emergency, or event, including possible crimes committed or claims involved;

A brief description of the major development being reported;

Potential targets, subjects, and parties in the matter;

The investigative and/or client agencies involved; and

The date of any prior, related Urgent Report, if any.

USAOs and Department litigating divisions should submit Urgent Reports at least three days in advance of anticipated developments or events to provide Department leadership with appropriate notice. In the event of unanticipated events and emergencies, USAOs and Department litigating divisions should submit Urgent Reports within 24 hours, absent exigent circumstances.

Submission of an Urgent Report is required even where a USAO has given oral notice to EOUSA or oral or written notice to other Department components or leadership. In matters where the USAO and a Department litigating division are jointly litigating the matter, the offices should coordinate to ensure preparation and proper dissemination of a single Urgent Report to Department leadership.

In all cases, access to Urgent Reports is strictly controlled on a limited official use basis. Only those officials having a need to know will receive access to Urgent Reports. Nevertheless, Urgent Reports should be brief and avoid unnecessary detail. Please keep in mind whether the information in the Urgent Report is discoverable or producible in any context.

This reporting requirement is a notice requirement only and should not interrupt, alter, or delay the normal conduct and pursuit of any matter or case. Moreover, these procedures do not satisfy other applicable notice, consultation, or approval requirements that may apply.