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• Weaponry: .50 Caliber Rifle Crime

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  Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on how .50 caliber semiautomatic rifles have been used in domestic and international criminal activity. GAO noted that: (1) GAO's investigation revealed that .50 caliber semiautomatic rifles have been linked to domestic and international criminal activity; (2) GAO has established a nexus to terrorist groups, outlaw motorcycle gangs, international drug cartels, domestic drug dealers, religious cults, militia groups, potential assassins, and violent criminals; (3) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) routinely conducts gun traces for law enforcement agencies; (4) the fact that a trace has been conducted does not necessarily mean that the firearm was involved in criminal activity; (5) ATF provided GAO with a list of 30 firearm trace requests generated between November 1992 and March 1999 concerning .50 caliber rifles; (6) however, 2 of the requests were duplicates, leaving 28 separate weapons on which traces were conducted; (7) all of the traces involved Barrett .50 caliber rifles, of which 27 were the semiautomatic model 82A1; (8) one trace request appeared to involve a Barrett model 90, but efforts to develop additional information on this trace were unsuccessful; (9) of the 27 traces involving Barrett semiautomatic model 82A1 rifles, GAO found that 18 were associated with criminal activity and 3 were not associated with criminal activity; (10) no determination could be made regarding 6 traces; (11) in some cases, GAO found that although the criminal activity involved more than one .50 caliber semiautomatic rifle, the law enforcement agency had initiated a trace on only one firearm; (12) GAO also developed information on two criminal cases involving .50 caliber semiautomatic rifles not reported in the ATF tracing information; and (13) the Barrett model 82A1 was the weapon identified in both cases.

  United States. General Accounting Office

  1999-08-04
• Following the Gun: Enforcing Federal Laws Against Firearms Traffickers

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  The case analysis presented here will help us develop the most effective possible enforcement strategies. This report demonstrates the effectiveness of State and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors joining ATF in "following the crime gun" to the gun's illegal supplier, and targeting that supplier and others in the chain of illegal transfers. It may be the gun of the drug dealer, the violent gang member, the repeat felon, parolee or probationer, the domestic violence offender, the juvenile, or any other person prohibited from possessing a firearm. Gun traffickers are often criminals in other respects, and trafficking investigations provide another means to prevent them from harming the community. The analysis documents an aggressive, productive effort that led to the prosecution, conviction, and sentencing of hundreds of firearms traffickers during this period. It also suggests that this effort could be rendered still more effective with continued improvements in investigative techniques and enforcement tools.

  United States. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms

  2000-06
• Assessing Al Qaeda's WMD Capabilities

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  Events in the recent past have focused the world on the al Qaeda terrorist organization and its efforts to develop weapons of mass destruction (WMD). WMD can be defined as nuclear, chemical, biological, and radiological weapons. The U.S. Code, Title 5, defines WMD as "any weapon or device that is intended, or has the capability, to cause death or serious bodily injury to a significant number of people through the release, dissemination, or impact of (A) toxic or poisonous chemicals or their precursors; (B) a disease organism; or (C) radiation or radioactivity."[1] According to Deputy Defense Secretary Wolfowitz, "Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden said in the past that the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction by his terrorist gang is a religious duty. U.S. and coalition troops in Afghanistan found evidence that al Qaeda was aggressively pursuing chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear information and material."[2] Now CNN has obtained tapes recording al Qaeda's chemical experiments. As more evidence is found we can begin to understand the details about al Qaeda's WMD objectives. This analysis examines al Qaeda's WMD undertakings as we know them, and describes U.S. efforts to counter, preempt, and otherwise prevent al Qaeda from obtaining a robust WMD arsenal.

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Contemporary Conflict

  Boureston, Jack

  2002-09-02
• Fact Sheet: Transnational Organized Crime: Growing Risk to U.S. and Global Interests

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  "Certain types of international crime -- terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and contraband smuggling -- involve serious violence and physical harm. Other forms -- fraud, extortion, money laundering, bribery, economic espionage, intellectual property theft, and counterfeiting -- don't require guns to cause major damage. Consequences include the loss of profits, productivity, and jobs for Americans at home, as well as negative public health consequences. Moreover, new categories of cybercrime continue to emerge and expand in both scale and sophistication. For the United States, international crime poses threats on three broad, interrelated fronts. First, the impact is felt directly on the streets of virtually every community in America. Drugs, migrants, firearms, counterfeit merchandise, child pornography, and other contraband are illegally smuggled into the United States every year, undermining our border security and inflicting harm on society and individuals. Transnational criminal gangs commit crimes affecting the safety and well being of Americans--often collaborating with peers beyond the territory of United States, and vice versa. Few (if any) threats from abroad have a more visible and pervasive impact on the lives of U.S. citizens than transnational crime."

  United States. Department of State

  2010-09-10
• Asset Seizure and Forfeiture: A Basic Guide

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  From the introductory paragraph on the Federal Bureau of Investigation Law Enforcement Bulletin website: "State and local law enforcement agencies conduct investigations involving a variety of crimes, including many where gangs, drug traffickers, fraudsters, or other types of criminals aim to make a profit. But, how do investigators address these offenses when the perpetrators consider a prison sentence merely a cost of doing business--a brief respite from their regular lives--and know that they will return to their 'toys,' illegal profits, and high standards of living when released? To thoroughly explore the complex world of asset seizure and forfeiture, the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin presents this article in two parts. The first provides an introduction to the topic and gives readers a basic understanding of seizure and forfeiture, including common investigative techniques and best practices for law enforcement."

  United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation

  May, Colin

  2016-08-10
• Guide to Developing a Local Framework to Prevent and Counter Violent Extremism and Promote Community Resilience

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  "Communities face many safety and security challenges, including deteriorating transportation infrastructure, gang violence, and even increased vulnerability to natural disasters. Unfortunately, efforts by violent extremists to recruit and radicalize individuals to commit acts of violence have also become a challenge for American communities. Violent extremist threats stem from members, supporters, and individuals inspired by various foreign terrorist organizations, and individuals who commit violence based on an array of domestic extremist ideologies. In the face of these threats, governments and communities have come together to establish programs to prevent and counter violent extremism (CVE) and build resiliency. Like many safety and prevention efforts, initiatives addressing CVE recognize that local government and community stakeholders are often best situated to identify and implement solutions. This guidance is not a 'how-to' but merely introduces issues to consider as local partners contemplate developing a local framework for CVE."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security

  2016
• Drug Market Initiative Implementation Guide and Lessons Learned

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  "In 2004, officials in the High Point Police Department (HPPD) in High Point, North Carolina similar to police executives in many communities, had grown tired and frustrated with open-air drug markets and their associated crime and disorder. With the blessing of a new Police Chief, HPPD set out to try something new. Based on the successes of the Boston Gun Project (Kennedy, 1996) and similar strategic problem solving approaches (e.g., Braga, Pierce, McDevitt, Bond, and Cronin, 2008, McGarrell, Chermak, Wilson, and Corsaro, 2006), as well as the department's experience with gun and gang violence reduction through Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN), HPPD set out to implement a strategic, focused, data driven project to eliminate drug markets. Rather than focusing on individual drug users and sellers, they focused on shutting down drug markets using a nine-step process (to be discussed later in this document). Their first effort in the West End Neighborhood produced a reported average crime decrease of 57 percent over four years in that neighborhood. According to local residents and the police, the open-air drug market literally disappeared overnight. And, just as interesting, there seemed to have been no displacement effect. That is, HPPD closed down the open-air drug markets in the West End neighborhood without finding evidence of the market reopening elsewhere."

  United States. Bureau of Justice Assistance

  Hipple, Natalie Kroovand; McGarrell, Edmund F., 1956-

  2012-03
• Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 3249: Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2017

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  "H.R. 3249 would authorize the appropriation of $50 million annually over the 2018-2020 period for the Department of Justice to make grants to state and local governments to support intergovernmental partnerships that would aim to reduce violent crime, including that perpetrated by street gangs. Assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts, CBO [Congressional Budget Office] estimates that implementing H.R. 3249 would cost $130 million over the 2018-2022 period, with the remaining amounts spent in subsequent years. The costs of the bill fall within budget function 750 (administration of justice) and are shown in the following table. Estimated outlays are based on the historical rate of spending for similar programs."

  United States. Congressional Budget Office

  2017-11-20
• Understanding Pathways to and Away from Violent Radicalization among Resettled Somali Refugees

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  "The overall objective of the proposed project was to understand pathways to diverse outcomes among Somali immigrants: why do some embrace greater openness to violent extremism, while others with shared life histories move towards gangs, crime, or resilient outcomes such as civic engagement? To what degree do these outcomes overlap? In this project we empirically examined the principle of multifinality, or pathways leading from a shared refugee experience to multiple outcomes. Understanding these different trajectories, and the factors that shape an individual's progress towards diverse outcomes, provides critical information to local and state government agencies as they respond to the potential threat of domestic radicalization."

  United States. Office of Justice Programs

  Ellis, Beverley Heidi, 1972-; Bixby, Colleen; Miller, Alisa B. . . .

  2016-11
• Restoring Enforcement of Our Nation's Immigration Laws, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security of the Committee on the Judiciary, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, First Session, March 28, 2017

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  This testimony compilation is from the March 28, 2017 hearing, "Restoring Enforcement of Our Nation's Immigration Laws" before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security of the Committee on the Judiciary. From the statement of Jessica Vaughan: "Obama administration policies left immigration enforcement in a state of collapse. Interior enforcement was systematically dismantled to a fraction of previous years, we experienced a surge of new illegal arrivals at the southwest border seeking to take advantage of catch and release policies and lenient rules for claiming asylum; and the size of the illegal population ticked upward again. The suppression of enforcement has imposed enormous costs on American communities in the form of lost job opportunities and stagnant wages for native workers, higher tax bills to cover increasing outlays for social services and benefits, compromised national security, and public safety threats. The Trump administration has begun using executive authority to restore enforcement in many important ways. But there is only so much that can be done by the president. Under our constitution, Congress is really the lead branch of government on immigration law, and action from Congress is necessary to fully address the most important weak spots in immigration control. Specifically, Congress needs to address the problem of illegal hiring; tackle the problem of sanctuaries; update the laws supporting gang-related enforcement; and reduce opportunities for executive abuse of authority on work permits, parole, deferred action, and other gimmicks that have been used to offer legal status to people not authorized by Congress." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Thomas Hodgson, Jessica Vaughan, Andrew Arthur, and Archi Pyati.

  United States. Congress. House. Committee on the Judiciary

  2017-03-28
• Global Metropolitan Policing: An Emerging Trend in Intelligence Sharing

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  "Terrorism has local and global dimensions. Local police are best positioned to understand their communities and local threat environment. Yet transnational terrorist and criminal enterprises link in interactive networks. In response, local police agencies are cooperating with their counterparts at national and foreign agencies to understand and counter these criminal and terrorist organizations. Global metropolitan policing is the term used to describe this emerging trend in police cooperation in sharing intelligence and best practices. This article explores the developments that lead urban police departments to interact with foreign law enforcement, intelligence, and diplomatic agencies, as well as private sector and non-governmental organizations. It describes why and how police agencies are forging global links to counter terrorism, transnational gangs, and organized crime."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

  Wirtz, James J., 1958-; Sullivan, John P.

  2009-05
• Sharing Ideas and Resources To Keep Our Nation's Schools Safe (Volume V)

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  "In this fifth volume of 'Sharing Ideas and Resources To Keep Our Nation's Schools Safe', the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Justice Technology Information Center (JTIC), part of the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) System, present a new compilation of articles posted on the SchoolSafetyInfo.org website in the past year. While at first glance these articles seem to profile a wide variety of projects and programs, all of them have at least one thing in common. That is, their planners, coordinators and organizers told us the same thing: We want to help other schools. We want them to know what we're doing, and we want them to feel free to call us with questions, to help them start similar projects of their own. In 2017, schools, law enforcement agencies and communities keep on coming together across the United States as they create innovative and groundbreaking solutions to the persistent problems of violence, bullying, security breaches, gang tensions and social media abuse. For the past five years, SchoolSafetyInfo. org has worked toward ensuring that schools and school administrators, local law enforcement agencies and school resource officers know that they're not alone in their quest to make their schools safer, that others are working toward the same goal. We reach out to small rural school districts and to federal government agencies, and we always get the same answer: 'We're taking a proactive approach here, and we want the rest of the country to know about it.'"

  National Institute of Justice (U.S.); National Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology Center (U.S.)

  Lewis, Becky
• 1 is 2 Many: Twenty Years Fighting Violence Against Women and Girls

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  "Twenty years after the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), many citizens cannot remember a day in which Americans ignored this violence, or worse, condoned it. The papers are flooded daily with stories from abroad--of gang rapes and kidnappings, of honor killings and acid attacks, of a child shot for promoting girls' education. History tells us, however, that what we see today so clearly as an assault on human dignity abroad has not always been seen so clearly at home. Twenty years ago, for most citizens, domestic violence and sexual assault were covered by a veil of ignorance and inattention, an open secret, acknowledged but ignored. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, public officials openly declared that the federal government had no role to play, that battling domestic violence was a 'private family matter.' Then, members of Congress complained that federal intervention was 'anti-family,' that shelters were 'indoctrination centers' filled with 'missionaries who would war' on the family, that domestic violence was somehow akin to 'spanking' or 'nagging.' Citizens dismissed sexual assault and battering by blaming the victim--'She asked for it,' 'she wore a short skirt,' 'she drank too much.' In 1990, when it was first introduced, the Violence Against Women Act gave a new name and a new voice to an ancient tragedy."

  United States. White House Office

  2014-09
• Guatemala at a Crossroads, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, First Session, June 9, 2009

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  This is testimony from the June 9, 2009, hearing entitled "Guatemala at a Crossroads," held by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. From the opening statement of Eliot L. Engel : "Recent media attention on Latin America has focused overwhelmingly on President Calderon's battle against Mexico's drug cartels. Meanwhile, Mexican cartels have moved more aggressively than ever into Guatemala, a country with weaker institutions than its neighbor to the north. […]. Drug-related violence in Guatemala unfortunately complicates an already difficult situation. Guatemala has a long history of violence, and one of the highest murder rates in Latin America. In a report to the Guatemalan Congress, the country's Human Rights Ombudsman noted that 2008 was the 'bloodiest year of our history' with 6,292 homicide victims. Illegally armed groups, drug cartels and youth gangs are contributing to spiraling violence. […]. It's time to say 'enough is enough.'" Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Eduardo Stein Barillas, Anita Isaacs, Mark Schneider, Stephen Johnson, Eliot L. Engel and Dan Burton.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2009
• Prison Radicalization: Are Terrorist Cells Forming in U.S. Cell Blocks?: Hearing Before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Ninth Congress, Second Session, September 19, 2006

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  This hearing discusses prison radicalization, and questions whether terrorist cells are forming in U.S. cell blocks. It occurred before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Ninth Congress, second session, on September 19, 2006. From the text: "For the past 5 years, the Federal Government has attempted to prevent terrorists from entering our country from abroad. Our homeland security efforts have made it increasingly difficult for foreign terrorists to infiltrate and operate in the United States. Increased border security and screening of overseas airline passengers, while critical to help keep out foreign terrorists, do not, however, protect us from home-grown terrorists. The rise of domestic terrorist cells inspired by but not linked directly to al Qaeda is an emerging threat to our national security. This morning, the Committee will examine a deep pool of potential homegrown operatives, American prisons. Our corrections facilities, Federal, State, and local, provide fertile grounds for radicalization and recruitment efforts. We have seen this problem in the formation of such prison gangs as the Mexican mafia and the white supremacist group, the Aryan Brotherhood. And we see it in the focus of our hearing today, the spread in prison of an extremist form of Islam dedicated to committing acts of terrorism."

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2006-09-19
• Operation Martillo as a Tool to Reduce Drug Trafficking in the Northern Triangle Countries (El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras)

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  "The Transnational Organized Crime that Central America is facing with drug cartels and criminal street gangs becomes a threat to the national security of the United States. The countries of the Northern Triangle of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras have become the bridge and the base of operations for these criminal organizations that use land, sea and air routes to move the drugs through Mexico with the final destination the United States. Because of this threat, it is important to establish a good security cooperation program with the countries of the Northern Triangle, a program that includes training and equipment to be more effective in the fight against drug trafficking across their territories. The Northern Triangle countries need to be committed with the United States in their fight against drug trafficking and the transnational criminal organizations and they need to establish a partnership where there is mutual cooperation. Also, these countries need to work jointly with the United States agencies in this region to increase drug interdictions. The plan of Operation Martillo is important to achieve this strategy to reduce the traffic of drugs through the countries of the Northern Triangle." "A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Military Art and Science General Studies

  U.S. Army Command and General Staff College

  Ramírez, John H. (Army)

  2017-05-23
• Student Victimization in U.S. Schools: Results from the 2015 School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey

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  From the Document: "Student victimization and school violence have been an ongoing cause of national concern, resulting in a concerted effort among educators, administrators, parents, and policymakers to determine the gravity of the issue and consider approaches to crime prevention. However, reducing criminal victimization in schools can be a complex task, given factors outside of school that have been found to be associated with criminal victimization, such as the neighborhood environment, family influences, and individual student characteristics (Foster and Brooks-Gunn 2013). Focusing on the school environment, disruptive behaviors such as student bullying, gang presence, and adolescent substance use continue to be associated with school crime and student victimization, which eventually lead to school avoidance (Gordon et al. 2014; Hughes, Gaines, and Pryor 2015). Previous attempts to counteract these problems with increased security measures in schools have also been associated with negative effects on perceived safety, which may also lead to school avoidance in students. (PerumeanChaney and Sutton 2013). With students who have experienced victimization at school being more likely to struggle both emotionally and academically (Patton, Woolley, and Hong 2012; Wang et al. 2014), finding successful solutions to crime and violence in schools is vital in providing an adequate education."

  United States. Department of Education

  Yanez, Christina; Lessne, Deborah; Hansen, Rachel

  2018-12
• Oversight of the Department of Homeland Security, Hearing Before the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, First Session, May 6, 2009

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  From the opening statement of Patrick J. Leahy: "I want to commend your competent leadership during the current threat of a flu pandemic. The response has been very good, and especially not only here in the United States, but in the coordination with the World Health Organization, and I think it gives people a lot of sense of confidence in the efforts throughout the administration. And I would note, if I might, sort of a personal thing, the State of Vermont is home to several DHS [Department of Homeland Security] operations. We have the USCIS [U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services] Service Center. We have the Law Enforcement Support Center, a Fusion Center, among others. The Law Enforcement Support Center, I remember being there late one evening when a call came in from a sheriff in Arizona who was checking on somebody they had picked up, and they got an answer right away.[...]. I commend your early attention to our interests in working closely with Mexico in its struggle against drug trafficking and against the violent cartels and gangs that pose serious threats to the people and communities, and I actually think they pose a serious threat to the Government of Mexico itself. Mexico is our neighbor, and finding appropriate ways to help it prevail against these lawless influences in their own country is going to help. The Merida Initiative is a first step, but we need a comprehensive strategy that addresses the underlying causes that have enabled this drug-related culture to grow up in Mexico." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Charles E. Grassley, Patrick J. Leahy, Jeff Sessions, and Janet Napolitano.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2010
• Strengthening School Safety through Prevention of Bullying, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities and the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education of the Committee on Education and Labor, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Eleventh Congress First Session, July 8, 2009

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  From the opening statement of Carolyn McCarthy: "I came to Congress as a result of violence, and I have worked for years to try to reduce violence in our schools and in our country. Throughout this hearing we will explore the different areas of concern we have related to school safety and ideas on how to address them. [...] Violence and bullying prevention is necessary to a successful academic career. We need to take these threats seriously and we must act on them to prevent further tragedies." Information on gang-related violence is also included in this hearing. Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Michael N. Castle, Jon C. Marshall, Joseph W. Mazzola, Sanford N. McDonnell, Ruben Hinojosa, Dale E. Kildee, Carolyn McCarthy, American Association of University Women, American Psychological Association, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund, Jennifer Chrisler, Meredith Fenton, Stephanie Stines, Joan Cole Duffell, Eliza Byard, Girl Scouts of the USA, Joe Solmonese, Kate Kendell, Jody Huckaby, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Luis Sierra, Randi Weingarten, Todd Russell, Linda T. Sanchez, Jacquelyn Andrews, Josie Andrews, Rona C. Kaufmann, Scott Poland, Steve Riach, Cassady Tetsworth, Kenneth S. Trump, and Sirdeaner Walker."

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2009
• Youth Violence: Trends, Myths, and Solutions, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security of the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, First Session, February 11, 2009

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  From the opening statement of Robert C. ''Bobby'' Scott:: "This hearing is a continuation of a series of hearings we began in the 110th Congress on what we need to do to effectively reduce youth crime and violence and gang membership. What we have found, as you will hear from our distinguished panel of witnesses today, is that the evidence is overwhelming that properly targeted, evidence-based crime prevention and intervention programs for at risk youths will greatly reduce crime and save much more money than they cost and avoid criminal justice and social welfare expenditures that otherwise would be spent. One of the most comprehensive studies on the effectiveness of proper targeting of scientifically proven prevention and intervention programs for at-risk youths was conducted in the State of Pennsylvania. The State invested $60 million to conduct programs in 100 communities in urban, suburban, and rural areas and identified comparable areas without the programs in order to scientifically assess the results. The study revealed that crime and negative social incidents went down substantially in the test communities compared to the comparable communities and that the average costs and losses from crime and social welfare programs were reduced by an average of $5 for every dollar spent on prevention and intervention programs." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Robert C. ''Bobby'' Scott, Louie Gohmert, Dorothy Johnson-Speight, Barry Krisberg, Steve Trubow, Irving Bradley, Jr., Robert L. Woodson, and Beverly Coleman-Miller.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2009
• Law Enforcement Methods for Counterinsurgency Operations

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  From the thesis abstract: "Recent operations have forced the United States Army to re-examine the 'art' of fighting insurgencies. This monograph draws a correlation between insurgent organizations and organized criminal groups. Then, by extension, examines what the Army can learn from the law enforcement community. To limit the scope of this research, only criminal organizations in America were examined. Youth gangs and Mafia style organized crime are included in the study; however, international organized criminal groups are not. This work starts with a doctrinal examination of counterinsurgency operations. It then compares the nature of insurgent organizations to criminal organizations. It does so by correlating five common characteristics: leadership within the organization, organizational structure, culture of the organization, recruitment, and finances. The parallel between insurgents and organized criminals established, the law enforcement community is studied for ways to assist the Army in counterinsurgencies. Five concepts are identified as promising candidates for Army adoption, as well as evidence that the Army should dedicate more research to learn from law enforcement. All of these concepts are easier to adopt than a major weapons platform. These all have a very real potential to assist fighting current and future insurgencies faced by the United States Army."

  U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies

  Calese, Gary D.

  2005-05-26
• Have the Mexican Drug Cartels Evolved into a Terrorist Insurgency?

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  From the thesis abstract: "The escalation of violence between rival drug cartels, street gangs, and the government within Mexico has created concern in both Mexico and the United States. The fluid situation surrounding the Mexican drug war has led to much speculation about how to classify the powerful drug cartels conducting it. There is literature debating whether the cartels are merely a criminal enterprise or whether the cartels represent a new terrorist insurgency in Mexico. Utilizing multiple definitions of terrorism and insurgency, this study developed a conceptual model to compare and contrast with the activities of the drug cartels. The primary conclusion drawn is that the drug cartels do not represent an insurgency, rather they continue to operate as criminal organizations that occasionally use terrorist tactics."

  U.S. Army Command and General Staff College

  Barnes, Todd A.

  2013-06-14
• [April 18, 2019 Letter to the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary Lindsey Graham and the Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary Jerrold Nadler]

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  From the Letter: "I write to provide additional information regarding the Attorney General's April 18, 2019 invitation to certain Members of Congress to review a less-redacted version of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Report on the Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election (Report). [...] The Attorney General has determined that it is appropriate to provide the Chairman and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Committees on the Judiciary, the members of the 'Gang of Eight,' and one designated staff person per member access via 'in camera' review to certain material redacted in the publicly released report."

  United States. Department of Justice. Office of Legislative Affairs

  Boyd, Stephen E.

  2019-04-18
• Contraband Cell Phones in Correctional Facilities: Public Safety Impact and the Potential Implications of Jamming Technologies, Hearing Before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, First Session, July 15, 2009

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  From the opening statement of Mark Pryor: "These cell phones can do much more than make a call. They can take pictures, they can surf the Internet, they can send text and e-mail messages. While advances in technologies have benefited consumers, there's also a dark side. More and more, cell phones are being smuggled into prisons. Inmates are using them to continue criminal activity behind bars. In the worst cases, prisoners are organizing gang activity, intimidating witnesses, and ordering murders from their cells. This has to be stopped. Correctional officers have stepped up efforts to find such devices by using phone-sniffing dogs and searching prisoners, visitors, and prison workers. In addition, there is technology being deployed to detect and locate and monitor contraband cell phones in prison. But the question remains, are these tools enough? Some have suggested that wireless jamming technology would be effective in stopping the use of contraband cell phones. The FCC, however, has prohibited the testing of jammers by states as a violation of the Communications Act. In addition, groups have voiced concern that jamming may interfere with public safety and commercial wireless communications. There are also questions about how well jammers work and whether other technologies are better suited to address the problem." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Kay Bailey Hutchison, John Whitmire, Richard A. Mirgon, Gary D. Maynard, Jim Rubenstein,, Barbara Mikulski, Jay Salkini, Mark Pryor, Larry B. Norris, George M. Little, Anne Milgram, Christopher Guttman-McCabe, Mark Begich, John Thune, Tim Reisch, Jon Ozmint, Roger Werholz, and Harold W. Clarke.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2010
• Crime Mapping News, 2006 (Volume 7, Issue 3)

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  "The topic of this issue of Crime Mapping News is how mapping and GIS [Geographic Information System] can be used to examine drug trafficking and contraband issues. This issue begins with an article that discusses the use and dynamic application of mapping technology by a major law enforcement program located in the Eastern corridor to combat drug trafficking and gang-related activity in various regions of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The second article explains the usefulness of crime mapping in a correctional facility to assist with contraband problems and to deter illicit activity. The third article is part of a new series of this newsletter called the Crime Mapping News Spotlight where we highlight a particular program, crime analysis unit, or special event involving GIS, crime mapping and/or crime analysis and provide a brief snapshot of the key components, ideas, or strategies. This issue's spotlight is about a police department's implementation of a new crime analysis and mapping system and the benefits it will bring to their operations and responses to crime and disorder problems."

  United States. Department of Justice. Office of Community Oriented Policing Services; Police Foundation (U.S.)

  2006
• Law Enforcement Coordination: DOJ Could Improve Its Process for Identifying Disagreements among Agents, Report to Congressional Requesters

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  "According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), an estimated 1.3 million violent crimes occurred nationwide in 2009. The Department of Justice (DOJ) law enforcement components--the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI, and U.S. Marshals Service--have overlapping jurisdiction over violent crime investigations, specifically when they involve illegal drugs, gang violence, firearms, explosives, arson, and fugitive apprehension. As requested, GAO [Government Accountability Office] assessed the extent to which selected agents are clear on their agencies' roles and responsibilities, and how components determine and coordinate roles and responsibilities to avoid unnecessary use of resources. GAO reviewed documents such as department directives and interviewed DOJ component officials in headquarters and nine cities, which were selected based on population and the presence of all DOJ components. GAO also surveyed a randomly selected, nongeneralizable sample of 315 field agents. The results provide valuable information about the range of perspectives of surveyed agents. GAO recommends that DOJ assess options to better identify and diagnose disagreements in the field and take action to limit the negative impacts from disagreements over jurisdictional overlap for some criminal investigations. DOJ agreed with GAO's recommendation."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2011-04
• Haiti's Political and Economic Conditions [Updated July 1, 2019]

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  From the Document: "Since the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship in 1986, Haiti has struggled to overcome its centuries-long legacy of authoritarianism, disrespect for human rights, extreme poverty, and underdevelopment. Widespread corruption remains an impediment to changing that legacy. Despite significant progress in improving governance, democratic institutions remain weak and stability fragile. Poverty remains massive and deep, and economic disparity wide. In proximity to the United States, and with a chronically unstable political environment and fragile economy, Haiti has been an ongoing policy issue for the United States. Many in the U.S. Congress view Haiti's stability with concern and have shown a commitment to improving conditions in the country through continued support for U.S. foreign aid. Haiti has experienced growing instability during the administration of President Jovenel Moïse. Unrest, high rates of inflation, and resurgent gang violence have characterized Moïse's term. The judiciary is conducting ongoing investigations into Moïse's possible involvement in money laundering, irregular loan arrangements, and embezzlement, which the president denies. Haitian Senate and Superior Court of Auditors investigations allege embezzlement and fraud by current and former Haitian officials managing $2 billion in loans from Venezuela's PetroCaribe discounted oil program."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Taft-Morales, Maureen

  2019-07-01
• Vulnerable Youth: Federal Mentoring Programs and Issues [Updated July 22, 2019]

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  From the Introduction: "The purpose of contemporary, structured mentoring programs is to reduce the potential risk of negative outcomes by supplementing (but not supplanting) a youth's relationship with his or her parents. These programs are administered primarily by adult volunteers who are recruited by youth-serving organizations, faith-based organizations, schools, and after-school programs. Some of these programs have broad youth development goals, while others focus more narrowly on a particular outcome such as reducing gang activity or substance abuse, or improving grades. Research has shown that mentoring programs have been associated with some positive youth outcomes, but that the long-term ability of mentoring to produce particular outcomes and the ability for mentored youth to sustain gains over time are less certain."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fernandes-Alcantara, Adrienne L.

  2019-07-22
• Federal Crime Control: Background, Legislation, and Issues [Updated May 6, 2005]

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  From the Summary: "States and localities have the primary responsibility for prevention and control of domestic crime, while the federal government's role is limited. As crime became more rampant, the federal government has increased its involvement in crime control efforts. Over a period of 20 years, Congress enacted five major anti-crime bills and increased appropriations for federal assistance to state and local law enforcement agencies. Since the terrorist attacks, however, federal law enforcement efforts have been focused more on countering terrorism and maintaining homeland security. Amid these efforts, however, Congress continues to address many crime-related issues. [...] Recently passed legislation aimed at protecting the public from sex offenders has come into question with respect to its effectiveness. Congress may want to examine more closely registration and notification laws and the sufficiency of federal funding for state registration enforcement. Other possible issues include providing oversight to the Department of Justice with respect to the development of national standards for preventing sexual assaults in prisons. Additionally, Congress may consider broadening the federal definition of hate crimes. Congress has begun to consider a measure (H.R. 1279) that would broaden the scope of the federal government's role in prosecuting violent crimes committed by members of youth gangs. With respect to gun control, Congress may consider legislation that would extend the semiautomatic assault weapons ban, which expired last year, as well as legislation that would regulate gun shows, among other things. This report will be updated as legislation warrants."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seghetti, Lisa M.; Hill, Cindy; Franco, Celinda

  2005-05-06
• Vulnerable Youth: Federal Mentoring Programs and Issues [October 22, 2015]

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  From the Introduction: "Since the mid-1990s, Congress has supported legislation to establish structured mentoring programs for the most vulnerable youth. The Department of Justice's Juvenile Mentoring Program (JUMP), the first such program, was implemented in 1994 to provide mentoring services for at-risk youth ages 5 to 20. The purpose of contemporary, structured mentoring programs is to reduce risks by supplementing (but not supplanting) a youth's relationship with his or her parents. Some of these programs have broad youth development goals while others focus more narrowly on a particular outcome such as reducing gang activity or substance abuse, or improving grades. Research has shown that mentoring programs have been associated with some positive youth outcomes, but that the long-term effects of mentoring on particular outcomes and the ability for mentored youth to sustain gains over time are less certain. […] This report begins with an overview of the purpose of mentoring, including a brief discussion on research of structured mentoring programs. The report then describes the evolution of federal policies on mentoring since the early 1990s. The report provides an overview of the federal mentoring initiatives that are currently funded. Note that additional federal programs and policies authorize funding for mentoring activities, among multiple other activities and services. These programs are not discussed in this report. The report concludes with an overview of issues that may be of interest to Congress. These issues include the limitations of research on outcomes for mentored youth, the potential need for additional mentors, grantees' challenges in sustaining funding, and the possible discontinuation of federal mentoring funding."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fernandes-Alcantara, Adrienne L.

  2015-10-22