
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 7USC2270]

 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
                  CHAPTER 55--DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 
Sec. 2270. Authority of Office of Inspector General

    Any person who is employed in the Office of the Inspector General, 
Department of Agriculture, who conducts investigations of alleged or 
suspected felony criminal violations of statutes, including but not 
limited to the Food Stamp Act of 1977 [7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.], 
administered by the Secretary of Agriculture or any agency of the 
Department of Agriculture and who is designated by the Inspector General 
of the Department of Agriculture may--
        (1) make an arrest without a warrant for any such criminal 
    felony violation if such violation is committed, or if such employee 
    has probable cause to believe that such violation is being 
    committed, in the presence of such employee;
        (2) execute a warrant for an arrest, for the search of premises, 
    or the seizure of evidence if such warrant is issued under authority 
    of the United States upon probable cause to believe that such 
    violation has been committed; and
        (3) carry a firearm;

in accordance with rules issued by the Secretary of Agriculture, while 
such employee is engaged in the performance of official duties under the 
authority provided in section 6, or described in section 9, of the 
Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App. 6, 9). The Attorney General 
of the United States may disapprove any designation made by the 
Inspector General under this section.

(Pub. L. 97-98, title XIII, Sec. 1337, Dec. 22, 1981, 95 Stat. 1294.)

                       References in Text

    The Food Stamp Act of 1977, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 88-525, 
Aug. 31, 1964, 78 Stat. 703, as amended, which is classified generally 
to chapter 51 (Sec. 2011 et seq.) of this title. For complete 
classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out 
under 2011 of this title and Tables.
    Sections 6 and 9 of the Inspector General Act of 1978, referred to 
in text, are sections 6 and 9 of Pub. L. 95-452, which are set out in 
the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.


                             Effective Date

    Section effective on such date as the Secretary of Agriculture may 
prescribe, taking into account the need for orderly implementation, see 
section 1338 of Pub. L. 97-98, set out as an Effective Date of 1981 
Amendment note under section 2012 of this title.
