The Office of Intergovernmental and Public Liaison (OIPL) is one of the five leadership support offices at the U.S. Department of Justice. It is generally part of the department’s general administration structure, which houses the other leadership and support offices, including the office of the Attorney General.

OIPL represents the department’s leadership with tribal, state, and local governments. The office also works with leadership of all the major law enforcement organizations on issues affecting the department’s leadership and other components. In addition, the office is responsible for building relationships with the public, including individuals, institutions and public constituency groups such as bar associations, advocacy groups, and membership organizations. The office is charged with representing the Department in all external relationships, except for those with the media (handled by the Public Affairs Office) and the U.S. Congress (handled by the Office of Legislative Affairs).

OIPL manages and coordinates the DOJ’s efforts to inform and engage state and local government, law enforcement, and other groups and organizations, as well as to stay informed of the activities of the same, as their liaison with DOJ.

The major mission points of OIPL are to:

• Educate and Promote - Improve public awareness and involvement in the work of the Administration; educate members of the public, state, local, tribal and law enforcement officials, and community groups on Department policies, initiatives, programs and ensure clarity, accuracy and understanding of Department perspective.
  
  
• Engage - Provide information and guidance to state, local, tribal, law enforcement and community, our local partners on DOJ resources; facilitate communication with DOJ leadership offices and other agencies; and solicit feedback on Department initiatives.
  
  
• Build Strong and Active Partnerships - Promote an integrated national approach between the Department, the Administration, and our local partners; maintain open lines of communication; and ensure coordinated action on priority issues.
  
  
• Advise – Department leadership on specific public, state, local, tribal, group concerns and priorities; maintain constant awareness of priority issues in localities; maintain extensive contact databases for our local partners; facilitate DOJ leadership meetings and outreach around the country.
  
  
• Strategize Outreach - Develop targeted outreach, communication, education, and coordination plans and partnerships for Department initiatives and programs.
  
  
• Law Enforcement Specific - Advise the Attorney General on law enforcement issues pertaining to state, local and tribal law enforcement. Ensure the prompt, coordinated, and efficient exchange of information relating to state, local, and tribal law enforcement matters as well as the principal liaison between the Department and law enforcement professionals around the country.
  
  
• Inter and Intra Agency: Strengthen communication and awareness of programs and activity between DOJ; components and Administration Agencies and the White House; coordinate efforts on specific and long term projects; and provide specific expertise, resources, and contact information on Department, resources, policies, and activities.