NCJ Number
80267
Date Published
1981
Length
182 pages
Annotation
This annual report from the U.S. Attorney General describes the activities and major accomplishments of the U.S. Department of Justice's 32 divisions for fiscal year 1980, including refugee matters, the Abscam investigations, and dealings with Iran.
Abstract
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)'s organized crime program resulted in 597 convictions while its white-collar crime investigations produced nearly 3,200 convictions and recovered over $150 million. Other FBI activities included increased foreign counterintelligence operations because of the influx of Cuban refugees and the crises in Iran and Afghanistan, civil rights investigations, managing security for the Lake Placid Olympics, and assisting local authorities in identifying U.S. victims of an airplane crash in Poland and persons killed by the eruption of Mount St. Helens. The Antitrust Division filed an unprecedented 83 cases and initiated a major criminal enforcement program in the road building and airport construction industries. The Criminal Division not only prosecuted the first cases produced by Abscam, but also secured convictions in organized crime, energy-related fraud, and public corruption cases. The Office of Intelligence Policy and Review promulgated a series of procedures governing a broad range of intelligence activities conducted by U.S. agencies and developed proposals to amend the Freedom of Information Act. Internal management efforts included a pilot automated caseload-tracking project, affirmative action plans, and audits. The Land and Natural Resources Division filed the first 50 hazardous waste cases, including the highly publicized Love Canal site in New York State. Other major programs addressed drug trafficking and litigation arising from the taking of hostages in Iran. The Civil Division defended transportation safety regulations, the Natural Gas Policy Act, and the United States for alleged injuries resulting from exposure to radiation, a chemical herbicide, and asbestos. Individual reports on each division or agency identify its director, describe its history and responsibilities, and discuss the year's activities in detail. Organization charts and tables are provided.