The issuance of the order to staff the Office of the Chief Examiner represented a significant evolution in federal law enforcement in the United States. Charles Joseph Bonaparte, who served as Attorney General under President Theodore Roosevelt, recognized the difficulties faced by the federal government in maintaining law and order. The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a surge in organized crime, corruption, and a growing perception that federal agencies needed more authority to deal with these challenges effectively.

Before the formation of this office, federal investigative functions were scattered and inconsistent, often handled by various departments without a centralized authority or coordination. Bonaparte's action aimed to consolidate these efforts under a new entity dedicated to investigating federal crimes, including those related to banking and mail fraud. The formation of the Office of the Chief Examiner ultimately laid the groundwork for what would become the Federal Bureau of Investigation, officially established in 1935. This was seen as a crucial step in professionalizing law enforcement at the federal level, moving towards a more disciplined and structured investigatory body.

The Office of the Chief Examiner's initial staff consisted of a small group of dedicated examiners, who operated with a degree of autonomy that allowed them to pursue cases effectively. This early model emphasized data collection, analysis, and the importance of utilizing scientific methods in investigations. Bonaparte’s vision and commitment to establishing a robust federal investigative framework showcased a progressive approach to law enforcement in response to the evolving crime landscape of the early 20th century.