NCJ Number
71077
Date Published
1979
Length
73 pages
Annotation
The results of a workshop on the prevention and detection of fraud, waste, and abuse of public funds are reported.
Abstract
Workshop participants identified needs and problems which fell into 12 strategy components. These were derived from a publication, 'Fraud and Abuse in Government Benefit Programs,' funded by the National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. Areas of greatest concern are legislative support, quality and management controls, program design, organizational redesign, and education and training. Major emphasis for combating fraud and abuse should be in the prevention area, addressing the need to improve detection capabilities and techniques as an integral part of the prevention effort. Prevention activities should be aimed at strengthening commitment, cooperation, and coordination among all levels of government; initiating a public education campaign; and developing and testing program models and model programs on prevention and detection for use by State and local governments. Furthermore, models should be developed for uniform legislation and regulations for grant-in-aid and public assistance programs, and training courses on prevention and detection techniques should be improved and increased. Both horizontal and vertical liaison and coordination throughout government are needed to ensure successful planning, development of programs and activities, and implementation. Also essential are interaction with public and private organizations and information exchanges among all levels of government and private industry. Appendixes include a list of participants, the workshop agenda, group assignments, a staff report, and specific contributions made by members. (Author abstract modified)