NCJ Number
86952
Date Published
1982
Length
13 pages
Annotation
An assistant attorney general from the Department of Justice (DOJ) discusses its efforts to improve coordination and cooperation with State and local law enforcement agencies and provide them with technical assistance.
Abstract
The Attorney General has ordered each U.S. Attorney to establish a Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (LECC) consisting of representatives from Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies in the district. These groups will form subcommittees to address specific law enforcement problems, such as referral of cases from one system to the other and provision of mutual assistance. The U.S. Attorneys have also been directed to formulate law enforcement plans summarizing the type and extent of serious crime in the district and establishing law enforcement priorities. The Working Group for Federal/State/Local Prosecutorial Relations is another organization created by DOJ to foster intergovernmental cooperation. Organized drug trafficking and organized crime are extremely important areas where the DOJ has promoted increasing cooperation among law enforcement agencies. Regional task forces modeled on the successful South Florida task force have been created, and the President has proposed additional programs, including a commission on organized crime and more training for State and local enforcement personnel. The DOJ directly assists State and local agencies through training programs operated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, free laboratory examinations, information systems, and criminal justice research and statistical programs. Federal resources are used to apprehend State fugitives who flee to another State or foreign country. Finally, the DOJ supports proposed legislation that would enable the Federal Government to offer even greater assistance to State and local law enforcement activities.