J. Edgar Hoover

John Edgar Hoover (1895-1972) was a controversial director of the FBI. Hoover as FBI Director was a staunch opponent of Communism, liberalism, organized labor, and homosexuals. Hoover served as director for 48 years until his death. He founded the FBI's 'public enemies' program, under which such criminals as John Dillinger, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were successfully caught. He enforced prohibition when it was in effect.

Controversy

Hoover was not opposed to the use of illegal methods in collecting evidence against suspects using such tactics as burglary and illegal wire tapping. Additionally, his investigations were often focused on individuals with differing political or social ideals rather than suspected criminals. Most notable were his attempts to block voter education drives and boycotts organized by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

References

Wilson, Gahan, The Big Book of Weirdos, Paradox Press, New York, 1995 <sp> Garrow, David J, "The FBI and Martin Luther King", theatlantic.com,