The **Public Integrity Section (PIN)** is a specialized unit within the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division dedicated to combating political corruption across federal, state, and local governments. Established in March 1976 in response to the Watergate scandal, its core mission is to prosecute criminal misconduct by elected and appointed public officials, including federal judges, and to oversee investigations related to election crimes and conflicts of interest[1][6]. PIN holds exclusive jurisdiction over prosecutions involving federal judges and plays a supervisory role in election crime enforcement through its Election Crimes Branch, created in 1980. The section consolidates the Department of Justice’s oversight of public corruption cases, advising and assisting U.S. Attorneys nationwide. Its approximately 30 prosecutors historically traveled extensively to support complex and politically sensitive corruption cases[1][2]. The section also reviews referrals from federal agencies concerning possible criminal acts by agency employees, coordinating closely with Inspectors General and investigative components to determine prosecutorial actions. PIN often works jointly with U.S. Attorney’s Offices, sharing responsibility for major corruption cases or stepping in when local offices face conflicts of interest or resource limitations[2]. Over its history, PIN has been critical in upholding government integrity, pursuing corruption without regard to political affiliation. However, since 2025, it has faced significant reductions; staffing was cut from about 30 prosecutors to roughly five, and its authority to open new cases was curtailed under the Trump administration. These changes have raised concerns among lawmakers and anti-corruption advocates about weakening federal oversight of public corruption, especially amid rising allegations of governmental misconduct[3][4]. PIN’s legacy includes its role supervising Independent Counsel provisions since 1978, annual reporting to Congress, and its reputation as a key federal mechanism ensuring accountability in government. Despite recent setbacks, it remains a pivotal institution in the U.S. legal framework combating public corruption and preserving trust in democratic institutions[1][5][6].