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Strategic Objective

Combat the threat, incidence, and prevalence of violent crime

Strategic Objective

Combat the threat, incidence, and prevalence of violent crime by leveraging strategic partnerships to investigate, arrest, and prosecute violent offenders and illegal firearms traffickers

Lead Office: ATF

Themes:

Administration of Justice

DOJ.gov

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Overview
Progress Update

Overview

Violent crime remains a serious problem in many rural and urban areas and throughout much of Indian Country. It continues to inflict a heavy toll on communities across America, limiting the quality of life for U.S. citizens, paralyzing neighborhoods, and stretching state and local law enforcement resources to their limits.

Progress Update

Strategic Objective Review Summary of Findings: On track and making satisfactory progress

While there has been a reduction in violent crime the past several years, violent crime still remains the most serious daily threat to public safety in many communities in the United States. The Department’s overall strategy to reduce violent crime incorporates several activities in this area. The Department exceeded the number of gang/criminal enterprise dismantlements (non-Consolidated Priority Organization Target or CPOT) by three over the FY 2015 target of 150; FBI’s Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Forces in FY 2015 seized and removed 3,031 firearms and conducted 7,508 arrests; DEA’s Gang Targeting, Enforcement, and Coordination Center supported 309 gang related cases that have yielded 1,506 arrests. Two examples of the Department’s many interagency investigations targeting violent organizations include investigations into the Columbia Point Dawgs – a particularly violent and powerful gang operating in the Boston area for nearly two decades and Operation Victory that successfully targeted the Gangster Disciples.

The ATF supports this strategic objective by performing firearms dealer inspections, reconciling inventory for missing weapons and conducting their own investigations on criminal groups and gang related defendants. In FY 2015, ATF implemented a 24-hour gun tracing system called E-Trace, which allows police to electronically submit firearm trace requests, monitor the progress of the trace, retrieve completed trace results, and query firearm trace related data. ATF also introduced the Mobile, Bomb, and Arson Tracking System (BATS) to allow for rapid entry of investigative information on the scene by agents and officers. ATF utilizes a standardized way of operating each of the Bureau’s field divisions, known as ATF Frontline, to more effectively allocate resources to best fight violent crime dependent on crime issues in their specific geographic area.

Challenges for this strategic objective include: the expansion of violent gangs into more rural areas and their increased sophistication making them harder to investigate; the large amount of data that is created every day and private parties’ reluctance to share data complicating investigations and requiring additional resources to investigate; and the encryption of data and “going dark” present technical challenges in collecting evidence. Requests for Federal Firearms Licenses and National Firearms Act services strain ATF resources. Tragic mass shootings in public places such as movie theaters and shopping mall have created a stress surge on the Department’s resources for this objective. To meet these challenges, the Department, through the U.S. Attorney Offices and the CRM will continue to focus on the most serious violent offenders – the “worst of the worst” – as targets for prosecution and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), through its participating agencies, will help to establish FY 2016 performance measures for this objective. In addition, the FBI has expanded its 164 Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Forces to 170 in FY 2015; ATF will continue to advance its domestic/international explosives and fire investigation expertise by setting and delivering the highest standards of support and further implement its National Integrated Ballistics Information National Correlation Center; U.S. Marshals (USMS) will continue its focus on enforcing the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act; and Office of Justice Programs (OJP) will provide, through grants mechanisms and otherwise, training, technical assistance, and technology tools that allow for cross-jurisdictional sharing of information among jurisdictions in order to better track sex offenders both domestically and internationally.

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Strategic Goals

Strategic Goal:

Prevent Crime, Protect the Rights of the American People, and Enforce Federal Law

Statement:

Prevent Crime, Protect the Rights of the American People, and Enforce Federal Law

Strategic Objectives

Combat the threat, incidence, and prevalence of violent crime

Statement:

Combat the threat, incidence, and prevalence of violent crime by leveraging strategic partnerships to investigate, arrest, and prosecute violent offenders and illegal firearms traffickers

Description:

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FY 14-15 Priority Goal: Violent Crime

Statement:

Violent Crime: Protect our Communities by Reducing Gun Violence by using smart prevention and investigative strategies in order to prevent violent acts from occurring.

By September, 30, 2015, the Department of Justice will:

Increase the number of records submitted to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Index by states and federal agencies by 10%;
Increase the number of records entered into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) by 3%; and
Increase the number of NIBIN “hits”, that is, the linkage of two or more separate crime scene investigations, based upon comparisons of the markings made on fired ammunition recovered from crime scenes by 3%.

Description:

The Violent Crime Priority Goal supports the Administration’s plan to protect our communities by reducing gun violence with smart prevention and investigative strategies in order to prevent violent acts from occurring. Gun-related violence continues to constitute a serious threat to public safety throughout the United States. While data shows that overall violent crime in the United States has decreased in the past thirty years, many communities continue to experience high levels of gun violence. The Department recognizes that the challenges confronting each community are different and require solutions tailored to each community’s needs. The Department will focus its actions and resources on 1) gun-violence prevention, by effecting an increase in the number of records submitted to NICS Index, which in turn supports the Department’s efforts to accurately and expeditiously identify persons who are legally prohibited from possessing firearms and (2) enhanced and more effective investigation by substantially increasing the number of records entered into NIBIN that contribute to investigative leads. Collectively, accomplishment of these goals will demonstrate and facilitate our progress in preventing and investigating gun-related violent crime.

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Prevent and intervene in crimes against vulnerable populations

Statement:

Prevent and intervene in crimes against vulnerable populations and uphold the rights of, and improve services to, America’s crime victims

Description:

The Department must continue to be vigilant in supporting and protecting the most vulnerable segments of our population that may fall victim to crime. Children are the most vulnerable and most exploited members of our society. The criminal victimization of children impacts not only the children, but also their families, community, and society at large.

Unfortunately, children are but one segment of society that is at risk. In the United States and across the globe, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking occur in all ages, races, socioeconomic classes, genders, and sexual orientations. Research shows that these crimes are overwhelmingly committed against women. In addition, elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation is an area that has been overlooked but research suggests it is an ongoing problem in the United States. Further, victims of crime committed on tribal lands is also an area that has been overlooked for far too long as research suggests violent crime rates may be two, four, and in some cases, 10 times the national average.

The Department continues to stress efforts to reduce and respond to violence against vulnerable populations. In April of 2013, the Department issued a revised Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Protocol to standardize up-to-date approaches to victim-centered forensic medical examinations. DOJ will also work with the FBI to support states’ implementation of the revised Uniform Crime Report definition of “rape.” As part of the Attorney General’s Defending Childhood Initiative, the Department will: launch a public awareness and community action campaign to stem youth violence; establish a Task Force on American Indian/Alaska Native Children Exposed to Violence; and partner with select states to form “State Commissions” that will implement model public policy initiatives at the state and local level to reduce the impact of children’s exposure to violence.

All victims deserve to be treated with respect and support. The Department will address the needs of victims by investigating and prosecuting matters impacting vulnerable groups while leading the way in providing innovative training, resources, and support to victims of crime.

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FY 14-15 Priority Goal: Vulnerable People

Statement:

Vulnerable People: Protect vulnerable populations by increasing the number of investigations and litigation matters concerning child exploitation, human trafficking, and non-compliant sex offenders; and by improving programs to prevent victimization, identify victims, and provide services.

By September 30, 2015, working with federal, state, local, and tribal partners, protect potential victims from abuse and exploitation through three sets of key indicators:

Open investigations concerning non-compliant sex offenders (4% over average of FYs 2012, 2013), sexual exploitation of children (3% over average of FYs 2011, 2012, 2013), and human trafficking (2% over FY 2013).
Open litigation matters concerning sexual exploitation of children and human trafficking (5% increase over baseline (TBD))
Percent of children recovered within 72 hours of issuance of an AMBER alert (90%)

Description:

The abuse, neglect, exploitation, and trafficking of children, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations, causes irrevocable harm to victims and society. Ensuring that our children, seniors, and all citizens can live without being disturbed by sexual trauma, physical abuse, or financial exploitation is more than a criminal justice issue; it is a societal and moral imperative. Despite efforts to date, the threat of these crimes remains very real. In the broadest terms, the goal of the Department of Justice (the Department or DOJ) is to prevent child sexual exploitation, elder abuse, and human trafficking from occurring in the first place, in order to protect every person from the physical and mental traumas associated with these crimes.

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Combat the threat, trafficking, and use of illegal drugs and the diversion of licit drugs

Statement:

Disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations to combat the threat, trafficking, and use of illegal drugs and the diversion of licit drugs

Description:

The Department’s drug strategy will leverage the collective talent and expertise of several federal law enforcement agencies to identify and target drug supply organizations nationwide, to attack their financial infrastructure, and to disrupt and ultimately dismantle them. Through the formation of prosecutor-led, multi-agency task forces that conduct intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdiction investigations, the Department will continue to mount a comprehensive, multilevel, organizational attack on the drug trafficking and money laundering organizations that pose the greatest threat to the Nation. The Department will disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations responsible for the supply of illegal or diverted drugs in the United States. Additionally, it will use the skills of prosecutors and agents from federal, state, local, and tribal agencies to combat the most prolific drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Partnerships with state, local, and tribal governments, along with grants and technical assistance will help reduce the use of illegal drugs and the violence associated with that use.

The Southwest Border region is a particularly vulnerable area and has increasingly become a focal point in the national security strategy due to the considerable cross-border law enforcement challenges in the region. The flow of narcotics north into the United States, along with the smuggling of criminal monetary proceeds and the illegal trafficking of firearms south out of the United States has had a devastating effect on the United States and Mexico, particularly along the Southwest Border. Much of the violence along the Southwest Border region and in Mexico is perpetuated by drug trafficking organizations vying for control of trafficking routes to the United States and engaging in turf battles for disputed distribution territories.

The vast 5,225-mile border between the United States and Canada, and the evolving drug trafficking trends on both sides of that border, provide numerous challenges for law enforcement and intelligence entities operating along the Northern border under differing authorities, protocols, and expertise. Marijuana and Ecstasy remain the most significant Northern border drug threats to the United States, while the United States remains the primary transit country for cocaine into Canada from South America.

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Investigate and prosecute corruption, economic crimes, and transnational organized crime

Statement:

Investigate and prosecute corruption, economic crimes, and transnational organized crime

Description:

The Nation’s recent economic crisis has had significant and devastating effects on mortgage markets, credit markets, and the banking system. The Department will protect Americans from the financial fraud and corruption that devastates consumers, siphons taxpayer dollars, weakens our markets, and impedes our ongoing economic recovery. The impact of financial crime is not confined to Wall Street – and many times the victims of fraud have worked hard and played by established investment rules, only to see their retirement and life savings vanish at the hands of white-collar criminals. Additionally, the rapid expansion of Internet use throughout the Nation, including business and government, creates a continually growing risk of unlawful acts. The Department will focus its white collar enforcement resources on these areas of potential fraud and associated corruption.

These offenses represent separate and very severe threats to the United States’ economy. The corruption of federal, state, and locally elected, appointed, or contracted officials, whether foreign or domestic, undermines democratic institutions and may threaten the condition of the economy, public safety, and national security, while wasting many taxpayer dollars. As businesses, governments, educational institutions, and individual citizens continue to integrate the Internet and other global network computer systems, extortionists, hostile insiders, identity thieves, and other criminals have new opportunities and new venues to commit unlawful acts. The increased presence of fraud such as corporate fraud, securities fraud, healthcare fraud, and mortgage fraud have escalated and will continue to hamper economic recovery and persist long after any recovery occurs. IP crime poses a grave threat to the country’s economic well-being, as well as the health and safety of U.S. citizens. Finally, transnational crime has expanded dramatically in size, scope, and influence, and transnational criminal networks pose a significant threat to national and international security. In response, the Department will implement actions to support the Administration’s Strategy to Combat Transnational Organized Crime, which seeks to build, balance, and integrate the tools of American power to combat transnational organized crime and related threats to national security and urge America’s foreign partners to do the same.

The Department will pursue fraud and corruption committed against the Federal Government and state and local governments and their programs and will protect consumers through vigorous investigations and civil and criminal enforcement of federal laws. These efforts will return significant amounts to the Treasury, Medicare, and other entitlement programs every year and provide deterrence to those contemplating defrauding federal programs, businesses, and individual citizens.

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FY 14-15 Priority Goal: Financial and Healthcare Fraud

Statement:

Financial-Healthcare Fraud: Reduce financial and healthcare fraud. By September 30, 2015, the Department of Justice will: reduce by 3 percent the number of financial and healthcare fraud investigations pending longer than 2 years to efficiently and effectively drive those investigations to resolution.

Description:

The recent financial crisis, which has impacted every American, has resulted in fraud and deception in the finance and housing markets as well as fraudulent schemes that misuse the public’s unprecedented investment in economic recovery. Criminals who commit mortgage fraud, securities and commodities fraud, and other types of fraud relating to the response to the economic crisis, victimize the American public as a whole. Similarly, those who defraud Medicare, Medicaid, and other government health care programs defraud every American. In particular, health care fraudsters take critical resources out of our health care system—thus contributing to the rising cost of health care for all Americans and endangering the short-term and long-term solvency of these essential health care programs. The Department will continue to address these critical problems by vigorously investigating and prosecuting both health care fraud and financial fraud, in order to protect American businesses, consumers, and taxpayers.

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Promote and protect American civil rights

Statement:

Promote and protect American civil rights by preventing and prosecuting discriminatory practices

Description:

The Department is committed to upholding the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans, including the most vulnerable members of society. Federal civil rights statutes reflect some of America’s highest ideals and aspirations – equal treatment and equal justice under law. These statutes not only aim to protect the civil rights of racial and ethnic minorities, but also of members of religious minorities, women, persons with disabilities, service members, individuals housed in public institutions, and individuals who come from other nations and speak other languages. The Department will enforce, defend, and advance civil rights through a multi-faceted approach of litigation, prevention efforts, outreach initiatives, and technical assistance. The Department will work with the Congress, other federal agencies and partnerships, as well as through legislative, regulatory, and policy development. The Department addresses discrimination and promotes equal opportunity in a broad range of areas, including the workplace, schools and higher education institutions, housing, courts, prisons and detention facilities, police departments, and mental health facilities; in voting and immigration-related practices; and in institutions receiving federal financial assistance. The Department also ensures that private institutions of public accommodation comport with applicable federal civil rights laws.

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Protect the federal fisc and defend the interests of the United States

Statement:

Protect the federal fisc and defend the interests of the United States

Description:

The Department of Justice is the Nation’s largest law office and chief litigator. The Department is involved in both defending and representing hundreds of United States’ agencies, offices, and employees; in defending against myriad challenges to federal laws, programs, and policies; and in protecting the integrity of the Nation’s antitrust laws and bankruptcy system. This work is critical to protecting the federal fisc against unwarranted monetary claims and to ensuring the United States can continue to protect the Nation’s security, maintain civil law and order, and ensure public safety. Accordingly, the Department will continue to fulfill these responsibilities by defending the Federal Government against monetary claims and challenges to its jurisdiction and authority, including the constitutionality of statutes passed by Congress.

Defensive litigation impacts virtually every aspect of the Federal Government’s operations. The Department represents over 200 federal agencies, the U.S. Congress, and the federal treasury in litigation arising from a broad range of monetary claims against the government, including legal action related to domestic and foreign operations, American Indian litigation, commercial activities, entitlement programs, internal revenue activities, and environmental and conservation laws. The potential cost to the government and federal tax payers from these matters could be substantial, but through rigorous and fair representation, DOJ will continue to mitigate any potential losses and protect federal monies.

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Agency Priority Goals

FY 14-15: Violent Crime

Statement:

Violent Crime: Protect our Communities by Reducing Gun Violence by using smart prevention and investigative strategies in order to prevent violent acts from occurring.

By September, 30, 2015, the Department of Justice will:

Increase the number of records submitted to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Index by states and federal agencies by 10%;
Increase the number of records entered into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) by 3%; and
Increase the number of NIBIN “hits”, that is, the linkage of two or more separate crime scene investigations, based upon comparisons of the markings made on fired ammunition recovered from crime scenes by 3%.

Description:

Learn More

FY 14-15: Financial and Healthcare Fraud

Statement:

Description:

Learn More

FY 14-15: Vulnerable People

Statement:

By September 30, 2015, working with federal, state, local, and tribal partners, protect potential victims from abuse and exploitation through three sets of key indicators:

Open investigations concerning non-compliant sex offenders (4% over average of FYs 2012, 2013), sexual exploitation of children (3% over average of FYs 2011, 2012, 2013), and human trafficking (2% over FY 2013).
Open litigation matters concerning sexual exploitation of children and human trafficking (5% increase over baseline (TBD))
Percent of children recovered within 72 hours of issuance of an AMBER alert (90%)

Description:

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Agency Priority Goals

FY 14-15 Agency Priority Goal:

Violent Crime

Statement:

Violent Crime: Protect our Communities by Reducing Gun Violence by using smart prevention and investigative strategies in order to prevent violent acts from occurring.

By September, 30, 2015, the Department of Justice will:

Increase the number of records submitted to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Index by states and federal agencies by 10%;
Increase the number of records entered into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) by 3%; and
Increase the number of NIBIN “hits”, that is, the linkage of two or more separate crime scene investigations, based upon comparisons of the markings made on fired ammunition recovered from crime scenes by 3%.

Description:

Learn More

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