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Loretta E. LynchAttorney General
Department of Justice (DOJ)
Mission
Overview
The Judiciary Act of 1789 created the Office of the Attorney General, providing for the appointment of “a person, learned in the law, to act as attorney-general for the United States.” By 1870, the duties of the Office of the Attorney General had expanded so much that Congress adopted “An Act to establish the Department of Justice” with the Attorney General as its head.
The Department of Justice serves to prevent terrorism and promote the Nation's security consistent with the rule of law; prevent crime, protect the rights of the American people, and enforce federal law; and ensure and support the fair, impartial, efficient, and transparent administration of justice at the federal, state, local, tribal, and international levels.
Details of the DOJ Strategic Plan can be viewed here: http://www.justice.gov/about/strategic-plan-fiscal-years-2014-2018
The Department is headquartered in Washington, DC and also has field offices in all states and territories and maintains offices in over 100 countries worldwide. DOJ is comprised of more than 41 separate component organizations. A full list of DOJ components and their websites can be found here: http://www.justice.gov/agencies/index-org.html
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Strategic Goals & Objectives
Agencies establish a variety of organizational goals to drive progress toward key outcomes for the American people. Long-term strategic goals articulate clear statements of what the agency wants to achieve to advance its mission and address relevant national problems, needs, challenges and opportunities. Strategic objectives define the outcome or management impact the agency is trying to achieve, and also include the agency's role. Each strategic objective is tracked through a suite of performance goals, indicators and other evidence.
Strategic Goal:
Prevent Terrorism and Promote the Nation’s Security Consistent with the Rule of Law
Statement:
Prevent Terrorism and Promote the Nation’s Security Consistent with the Rule of Law
Strategic Objectives
Statement:
Prevent, disrupt, and defeat terrorist operations before they occur by integrating intelligence and law enforcement efforts to achieve a coordinated response to terrorist threats
Description:
Combating terrorism is DOJ’s top priority. The Attorney General, acting primarily through the FBI, has principal investigative responsibility for all criminal acts of terrorism (18 U.S.C. § 2332b(f)). A key tenet of this objective is to ensure that intelligence and law enforcement agencies are able to use all available tools to investigate vigorously and prevent acts of terrorism in a manner consistent with law.
Priority Goal: National Security
Statement:
National Security: Protect Americans from terrorism and other threats to National Security, including cyber security threats.
By September 30, 2015, the Department of Justice will: Disrupt 175 terrorist threats and groups and disrupt and dismantle 600 cyber threat actors.
Description:
Terrorism is the most significant national security threat that the country faces. Accordingly, the Department’s number one priority is, and will continue to be, protecting the security of this Nation’s citizens. The Administration has recognized that terrorism cannot be defeated by military means alone. The Department of Justice serves at the forefront of the fight against terrorism, providing a broad spectrum of tools, resources, and skills to combat terrorists. Specifically, the Department’s agents, analysts, and prosecutors will continue to use every available resource and appropriate tool to detect, deter, and disrupt terrorist plots, investigate and prosecute terrorists, and aid in developing rule of law programs in post-conflict countries to help prevent terrorism abroad. The Department will aggressively pursue emerging threats around the world and at home, enhance the ability to gather and analyze actionable intelligence, and engage in outreach efforts to all communities in order to prevent terrorism before it occurs.
Cyber activities, likewise, constitute a growing threat to our national security. As an initial matter, an increasing number of sophisticated state and non-state actors have both the desire and the capability to steal sensitive data, trade secrets, and intellectual property for military and competitive advantage. In addition, cyber-enabled terrorism poses a viable threat to national security. Although the United States has not yet encountered terrorist organizations using the Internet to launch a full-scale cyber-attack, the Department believes that it is a question of when, not if, they will attempt to do so. The cyber threat demands ready and fluid means of sharing information and coordinating actions and responses. In order to successfully investigate and disrupt cyber threats, the Department must be creative and forward-looking in its approach, considering what kinds of tools, investigations, and outreach can be launched now to lay the groundwork for future cyber protective efforts.
Statement:
Prosecute those involved in terrorist acts
Description:
Vigorously investigating and prosecuting terrorism offenses is a critical tool in the effort to incapacitate terrorists, gather valuable intelligence, and deter future acts of terrorism. Since September 11, 2001, DOJ’s counterterrorism successes include achieving numerous criminal convictions of high-profile terrorists, defeating would-be terrorists, and protecting the Nation through prevention efforts. The investigation, disruption, and prosecution of terrorism will continue to be the top priority for the Department.
Statement:
Investigate and prosecute espionage activity against the United States, strengthen partnerships with potential targets of intelligence intrusions, and proactively prevent insider threats
Description:
Foreign espionage strikes at the heart of U.S. national security, impacting political, military and economic arenas. The foreign intelligence threat to the United States is expanding, becoming more complex and less predictable. While traditional threats to national defense, military operations and policy, and intelligence, and science and technology remain, many intelligence threats are expanding their targets to include the burgeoning population of cleared defense contractors and other sectors affecting U.S. security, most notably sensitive economic information and emerging proprietary technology. Concurrently, foreign threats now have sophisticated networks of governmental and non-governmental entities using a wide array of intelligence collection platforms and engaging in long-term efforts to obtain sensitive information and threaten the security of the United States.
The Department will combat espionage by, among other things, vigorously investigating and prosecuting violations of espionage statutes and regulations. Additionally, DOJ will investigate and prosecute violations of export control and embargo statutes and regulations by combining intelligence and law enforcement to target individuals and networks involved in the illicit trafficking of controlled technologies and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and will expand its export control initiative to ensure nationwide coverage.
Statement:
Combat cyber-based threats and attacks, through the use of all available tools, strong private-public partnerships, and the investigation and prosecution of cyber threat actors
Description:
A range of cyber activities can diminish our security and siphon off valuable economic assets. A growing number of sophisticated state and non-state actors have both the desire and the capability to steal sensitive data, trade secrets, and intellectual property for military and competitive advantage. The other major national security threat in cyberspace is cyber-enabled terrorism. The Department believes that it is a question of when, not if, there will be attempts to do so.
The cyber threat demands ready and fluid means of sharing information and coordinating actions. To successfully investigate and disrupt cyber threats, the Department must be creative and forward-looking in its approach, considering what kinds of tools, investigations, and outreach can be launched now to lay the groundwork for future cyber efforts. As an example, the Department has partnered with nations worldwide in the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation, which will enhance its operational and investigative cyber capabilities through international cooperation and innovative technical solutions and systems. Collaboration with the private sector is also crucial to prevent breaches and protect confidential and proprietary information.
Priority Goal: National Security
Statement:
National Security: Protect Americans from terrorism and other threats to National Security, including cyber security threats.
By September 30, 2015, the Department of Justice will: Disrupt 175 terrorist threats and groups and disrupt and dismantle 600 cyber threat actors.
Description:
Terrorism is the most significant national security threat that the country faces. Accordingly, the Department’s number one priority is, and will continue to be, protecting the security of this Nation’s citizens. The Administration has recognized that terrorism cannot be defeated by military means alone. The Department of Justice serves at the forefront of the fight against terrorism, providing a broad spectrum of tools, resources, and skills to combat terrorists. Specifically, the Department’s agents, analysts, and prosecutors will continue to use every available resource and appropriate tool to detect, deter, and disrupt terrorist plots, investigate and prosecute terrorists, and aid in developing rule of law programs in post-conflict countries to help prevent terrorism abroad. The Department will aggressively pursue emerging threats around the world and at home, enhance the ability to gather and analyze actionable intelligence, and engage in outreach efforts to all communities in order to prevent terrorism before it occurs.
Cyber activities, likewise, constitute a growing threat to our national security. As an initial matter, an increasing number of sophisticated state and non-state actors have both the desire and the capability to steal sensitive data, trade secrets, and intellectual property for military and competitive advantage. In addition, cyber-enabled terrorism poses a viable threat to national security. Although the United States has not yet encountered terrorist organizations using the Internet to launch a full-scale cyber-attack, the Department believes that it is a question of when, not if, they will attempt to do so. The cyber threat demands ready and fluid means of sharing information and coordinating actions and responses. In order to successfully investigate and disrupt cyber threats, the Department must be creative and forward-looking in its approach, considering what kinds of tools, investigations, and outreach can be launched now to lay the groundwork for future cyber protective efforts.
Priority Goals
Statement:
National Security: Protect Americans from terrorism and other threats to National Security, including cyber security threats.
By September 30, 2015, the Department of Justice will: Disrupt 175 terrorist threats and groups and disrupt and dismantle 600 cyber threat actors.
Description:
Terrorism is the most significant national security threat that the country faces. Accordingly, the Department’s number one priority is, and will continue to be, protecting the security of this Nation’s citizens. The Administration has recognized that terrorism cannot be defeated by military means alone. The Department of Justice serves at the forefront of the fight against terrorism, providing a broad spectrum of tools, resources, and skills to combat terrorists. Specifically, the Department’s agents, analysts, and prosecutors will continue to use every available resource and appropriate tool to detect, deter, and disrupt terrorist plots, investigate and prosecute terrorists, and aid in developing rule of law programs in post-conflict countries to help prevent terrorism abroad. The Department will aggressively pursue emerging threats around the world and at home, enhance the ability to gather and analyze actionable intelligence, and engage in outreach efforts to all communities in order to prevent terrorism before it occurs.
Cyber activities, likewise, constitute a growing threat to our national security. As an initial matter, an increasing number of sophisticated state and non-state actors have both the desire and the capability to steal sensitive data, trade secrets, and intellectual property for military and competitive advantage. In addition, cyber-enabled terrorism poses a viable threat to national security. Although the United States has not yet encountered terrorist organizations using the Internet to launch a full-scale cyber-attack, the Department believes that it is a question of when, not if, they will attempt to do so. The cyber threat demands ready and fluid means of sharing information and coordinating actions and responses. In order to successfully investigate and disrupt cyber threats, the Department must be creative and forward-looking in its approach, considering what kinds of tools, investigations, and outreach can be launched now to lay the groundwork for future cyber protective efforts.
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
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:
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.
The vast majority of violent crime in this country falls within the jurisdiction of state and local agencies, and the vast majority of resources to combat it are provided by state and local governments. While some cities are well-equipped to handle issues involving violent gangs, many smaller cities and towns are easily overwhelmed by the violence and criminal activity that gangs bring to their communities. Each community faces different challenges that will require different solutions.
The Department will combat violent crime through vigorous investigation and prosecution of those who engage in violent criminal acts. It will work with its law enforcement partners at the federal, state, local, tribal, and international level to combat all types of violence, from the neighborhood-based street gangs, to increasingly brutal and prevalent violence along the Southwest Border, to the transnational gangs operating throughout the United States and abroad, to violent criminals seeking haven in the United States. It will also employ a comprehensive strategy that focuses on investigation, prosecution, and prevention efforts to address violence in America.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Priority Goals
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.
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.
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.
Strategic Goal:
Ensure and Support the Fair, Impartial, Efficient, and Transparent Administration of Justice at the Federal, State, Local, Tribal, and International Levels
Statement:
Ensure and Support the Fair, Impartial, Efficient, and Transparent Administration of Justice at the Federal, State, Local, Tribal, and International Levels
Strategic Objectives
Statement:
Promote and strengthen relationships and strategies for the administration of justice with law enforcement agencies, organizations, prosecutors, and defenders through innovative leadership and programs
Description:
Preventing and controlling crime is critical to ensure the strength and vitality of democratic principles, the rule of law, and the fair administration of justice. Domestically, since state and local law enforcement are responsible for most crime control, prevention, and response in the United States, the Federal Government is most effective in these areas when it develops and maintains partnerships with the officers and officials who work in the Nation’s states, cities, and neighborhoods. By partnering with key stakeholders at the state and local levels, the Department is able to build a cohesive and comprehensive body of knowledge on issues from innovative programs for inmates to the apprehension of fugitives and other criminal elements. By also forging state, local, and tribal partnerships among police, prosecutors, victim advocates, health care providers, and others, the Department’s grant and knowledge-sharing programs provide victims with the protection and services they need to pursue safe and healthy lives, while simultaneously empowering communities and local law enforcement to hold offenders accountable and implement effective crime prevention strategies.
Crimes committed in the United States often have ties to networks or operations in other countries. To address these threats, the Department is committed to expanding the scope and depth of international partnerships by enhancing collaboration; helping to establish rule of law through international treaties and training and assistance; and using international working groups to foster communication to enhance investigations, intelligence sharing, and threat awareness.
Overall, the Department will continue to ensure that law enforcement at every level, domestic and international, is engaged in the fair, impartial, efficient, and transparent administration of justice.
Statement:
Protect judges, witnesses, and other participants in federal proceedings by anticipating, deterring, and investigating threats of violence
Description:
The U.S. Marshals (USMS) is the Federal Government’s primary organization for protecting judges, witnesses, and other participants in federal proceedings. Protection is accomplished by anticipating and deterring threats to the judiciary and the continuous development and employment of innovative protective techniques. In addition, the greater focus to apprehend and prosecute suspected terrorists will increase the demand for high-level security required for many violent criminal and terrorist-related court proceedings. USMS will continue to develop and employ innovative techniques to protect federal judges, jurors, other participants, and members of the federal judiciary.
Statement:
Provide safe, secure, humane, and cost effective confinement and transportation of federal detainees and inmates
Description:
The Department of Justice is responsible for detaining persons charged with violating federal criminal statutes, provided they have not been released on bond or personal recognizance pending disposition of their cases. The USMS assumes custody of individuals arrested by all federal law enforcement agencies and is responsible for the housing and transportation of prisoners from the time they are remanded into custody until they are either released or incarcerated. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is responsible for the custody and care of federal offenders and ensures that they serve their sentences of imprisonment in facilities that are safe, humane, cost-efficient, and appropriately secure. In addition, BOP is responsible for the District of Columbia’s sentenced felon inmate population. USMS establishes detention policy and oversees the federal detention management system. USMS is responsible for managing DOJ detention resources, implementing business process improvements, and identifying areas where operational efficiencies and cost savings can be realized.
Detention populations are projected to increase. The Department will continue to collaborate with other government agencies engaged in housing detainees to enhance operations and create potential opportunities for achieving efficiencies, such as sharing expertise and new innovations in detention management and exploring acquisition activities, information systems, planning models, or other operational/strategic initiatives that would benefit multiple agencies.
Statement:
Apprehend fugitives to ensure their appearance for federal judicial proceedings or confinement
Description:
The USMS is the Federal Government’s primary organization for apprehending fugitives from justice. USMS conducts investigations involving: escaped federal prisoners; probation, parole and bond default violators; and fugitives based on warrants generated during drug investigations. In addition to these primary responsibilities, USMS task forces investigate and apprehend violent felony fugitives wanted by state and local authorities as well as international and foreign fugitives, gang members, and sex offenders.
Statement:
Reform and strengthen America’s criminal justice system by targeting only the most serious offenses for federal prosecution, expanding the use of diversion programs, and aiding inmates in reentering society
Description:
Even as most crime rates decline, the Department needs to examine new law enforcement strategies and better allocate our resources to keep pace with today’s continuing threats as violence spikes in some of our greatest cities. The Department needs fresh solutions for assisting victims and empowering survivors of violent crime and sexual assault. Although illegal drug use has been reduced to the lowest levels in three decades, a vicious cycle of poverty, criminality, and incarceration traps too many Americans and weakens too many communities. While the population of the United States has grown by about one third since 1980, the federal prison population has grown by more than 800 percent in the same time period. Incarceration should be used to punish, deter, and rehabilitate – not merely to warehouse and forget. Additionally, federal detention and prison spending is on an unsustainable track and has increasingly displaced other important Department public safety investments – including resources for investigation, prosecution, prevention, intervention, prisoner reentry, and assistance to state and local law enforcement. The Department must keep taking steps to make sure that people feel safe and secure in their homes and communities and that public safety is protected in the most efficient and effective way.
Statement:
Prevent and respond to genocide and mass atrocities and ensure that perpetrators of such crimes are held accountable in the United States and, if appropriate, their home countries
Description:
On August 4, 2011, the President declared the prevention of genocide and mass atrocities to be a core national security interest as well as a core moral responsibility of the United States. The President noted that our national security is affected when masses of civilians are slaughtered, refugees flow across borders, and murderers wreak havoc on regional stability and livelihoods; America's reputation suffers and our ability to bring about change is constrained when we are perceived as idle in the face of mass atrocities and genocide; and our pursuit of a world where states do not systematically slaughter civilians will not come to fruition without concerted and coordinated effort.
Crimes of mass violence often lead to international instability, which puts the United States’ security and interests at risk. Lack of accountability for past mass human rights violations increases the risk that such crimes will be repeated. For more than 60 years, the U.S. Government has been a worldwide leader in efforts to end impunity for genocide, torture, war crimes, and other egregious human rights violations by holding perpetrators accountable in the United States through prosecutions or other available means. The Department will continue its longstanding efforts to prevent the United States from becoming a safe haven for the perpetrators of mass human rights violations and to support foreign and international efforts to hold such perpetrators accountable. The Department will also coordinate with other U.S. Government agencies to achieve an effective, whole-of-government approach to preventing genocide and mass atrocity.
Statement:
Adjudicate all immigration cases promptly and impartially in accordance with due process
Description:
Advancing the fair, expeditious, and uniform application of the Nation's immigration laws is a priority for the Department. Enforcing these laws is a sensitive and complex process that may involve initiatives and activities of DHS or raise fundamental questions regarding the authority of the Executive Branch and the respective roles of Congress and the courts.
Under delegated authority from the Attorney General, EOIR interprets and administers federal immigration laws by conducting immigration court proceedings, appellate reviews, and administrative hearings. The Department’s ability to process cases in a timely fashion directly affects DHS’ ability to remove criminal or other removable aliens expeditiously and to efficiently use its detention resources.
In addition to these efforts, the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL) expertly defends government agencies in immigration-related litigation and issues that arise from EOIR decisions, such as when aliens file petitions for review in the circuit courts of appeals. The caseload for OIL is directly tied to DHS’s adjudications and immigration enforcement, to the Department of State’s adjudication of passport applications, to the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement referrals for denaturalization, to Department of Labor actions regarding immigrant labor, and to the immigration adjudication rates of the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). OIL will continue to implement efficiencies and effectively manage its resources to meet this demanding workload.
Statement:
Strengthen the government-to-government relationship between tribes and the United States, improve public safety in Indian Country, and honor treaty and trust responsibilities through consistent, coordinated policies, activities, and litigation
Description:
The Department bears a great responsibility to American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes to help build and sustain safe and secure native communities, to meet our treaty and trust responsibilities to Tribes, and to respect the sovereignty of tribal governments. Tribal communities face immense and urgent challenges to public safety, tribal sovereignty, and cultural preservation. The Department of Justice, alongside other federal agencies working in Indian Country, is charged with helping tribal communities overcome those challenges. The work of the Department in Indian Country covers almost every function of the Department, including law enforcement and prosecution; tax, civil, and civil rights litigation; corrections; legislative and policy development; and grant making and program implementation. Interdepartmental collaboration in the development of policy, review of litigating positions, and support of programs is critical to ensuring a unified federal government presence in Indian Country and promoting progress in ongoing efforts to strengthen native communities.
Priority Goals
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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FY16-17 Agency Priority Goals
An Agency Priority Goal is a near-term result or achievement that agency leadership wants to accomplish within approximately 24 months that relies predominantly on agency implementation as opposed to budget or legislative accomplishments. Click below to see this agency's FY16-17 Priority Goals.
Agency Priority Goal:
Statement:
Strengthen relationships with the communities we serve, and enhance law enforcement capabilities by constructing new foundations of trust, respect and mutual understanding. By September 30, 2017, increase by 40 percent, the number of law enforcement officers and community members engaged in technical assistance and training activities supportive of community policing to ensure police reform and produce an informed citizenry.
Description:
The three tenets of community policing are problem solving, community engagement, and organizational change. The Department of Justice (DOJ) supports community policing through a broad range of training and technical assistance activities. These activities are implemented along a continuum that starts with the initial contact with law enforcement and/or community members looking for new or promising practices to address problems in their community. Typically, these problems are addressed through outreach, publications, or awareness training. By working with the community to implement more complex needs for community policing, the community becomes involved in their own safety. This proactive approach consists of training law enforcement and the community together, community meetings/interventions, and trust building activities. When a community has significant trust issues or a law enforcement is in need of reform, the technical assistance and training becomes more in depth, site specific, and targeted to promote change. For those communities where there exists a strong bond and a vibrant community policing program, providing technical assistance and training will build upon that trust and increase the viability of the program.
Agency Priority Goal:
Statement:
Protect Americans from terrorism and other threats to National Security. By September 30, 2017, the Department of Justice will disrupt 400 terrorist threats and groups.
Description:
Terrorism is the most significant national security threat that the country faces. Accordingly, the Department’s number one priority is, and will continue to be, protecting the security of this Nation’s citizens. The Administration has recognized that terrorism cannot be defeated by military means alone and the Department of Justice is at the forefront of the fight against terrorism. The Department provides a broad spectrum of tools and skills to combat terrorists. Specifically, the Department’s agents, analysts, and prosecutors will continue to use every available resource and appropriate tool to detect, deter, and disrupt terrorist plots, investigate and prosecute terrorists, and aid in developing rule of law programs in post-conflict countries to help prevent terrorism abroad. The Department will aggressively pursue emerging threats around the world and at home, enhance the ability to gather and analyze actionable intelligence, and engage in outreach efforts to all communities in order to prevent terrorism before it occurs.
Agency Priority Goal:
Statement:
Identify and pursue cyber threat actors. By September 30, 2017, the Department of Justice will conduct 1,000 computer intrusion program disruptions or dismantlements while successfully resolving 90 percent of both national security and criminal cyber cases.
Description:
A range of cyber activities also constitutes a growing threat to our national security and economic stability. An increasing number of sophisticated state and non-state actors have both the desire and the capability to steal sensitive data, trade secrets, and intellectual property for military and competitive advantage. Insiders pose an additional threat to engage in insider-enabled cyber theft and sabotage. The other major national security threat in cyberspace is cyber-enabled terrorism. Although the United States has not yet encountered terrorist organizations using the Internet to launch a full-scale cyber attack, the Department believes that it is a question of when, not if, they will attempt to do so. The cyber threat demands ready and fluid means of sharing information and coordinating actions and responses. The Department’s cyber strategy involves an all-tools approach, inclusive of investigation and prosecution, and with a focus on the disruption of the threat, regardless of the particular tool used. The Department has significant and growing national security responsibilities in the area of cyber security, and retains primary authority over the investigation and prosecution of cybercrimes, including those that have national security implications. These investigations most frequently arise in instances where an agent of a foreign government seeks to infiltrate or harm a sensitive or important piece of U.S. cyber infrastructure. Finally, the Department has increasing legal and policy duties assisting interagency and legislative cyber initiatives to protect American critical infrastructure, networks, businesses, and computer users in a manner consistent with the law.
This goal aligns with Administration cybersecurity priorities. The goal was established in coordination with OMB policies and guidance, to include the Cybersecurity Strategy and Implementation Plan, the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Guidance on Federal Information Security and Privacy Management Requirements, and the Cybersecurity Cross-Agency Priority Goal.
Agency Priority Goal:
Statement:
Protect the most vulnerable among us, including victims and survivors of human trafficking. By September 30, 2017, the Department will:
- Open investigations concerning the sexual exploitation of children (5% over FY 15 target /3,051) FY 16 target = 3,127 and FY 17 target = 3,204;
- Open investigations concerning human trafficking (5% over FY 15 target/218) FY 16 target = 223 and FY 17 = 229
- Increase the number of open investigations concerning non-compliant sex offenders (3% increase over baseline/1,760) FY 16 target = 1,786 and FY 17 = 1,813
- Percent of civil rights cases that are favorably resolved – criminal (85%) FY 16 target = 85% and FY 17 target = 85%
- Percent of civil rights cases that are favorably resolved - civil (85%) FY 16 target = 85% and FY 17 target = 85%
- Increase the number of human trafficking leads and complaints reviewed by the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit (5% increase over baseline/150) FY 16 target = 154 and FY 17 = 158
Description:
The abuse, neglect, exploitation, and trafficking of children, and vulnerable populations, causes irrevocable harm to victims and society. Ensuring that all citizens, particularly children and other vulnerable populations, can live without being disturbed by sexual trauma, exploitation, or human trafficking are more than criminal justice issues, they are societal and moral issues. Despite efforts to date, the threat of these crimes remains very real. In the broadest terms, the goal of the Department is to prevent child exploitation, abuse, hate crimes, and human trafficking from occurring, and protect every person from the physical and mental traumas associated with these crimes.
Agency Priority Goal:
Statement:
Protect the American people from fraud and public corruption. By September 30, 2017, increase the number of new investigations by 2 percent with emphasis on holding individuals accountable associated with fraud and public corruption, including white collar crime, financial fraud, and health care fraud.
Description:
The term white collar crime is synonymous with a full range of frauds committed by business and government professionals. It is not a victimless crime. A single scam can destroy a company, devastate families by wiping out their life savings, or cost society billions of dollars (or even all three). Today’s fraud schemes are more sophisticated than ever. The financial crisis of 2008, impacting every American, resulted in fraud and deception in the finance and housing markets, as well as fraudulent schemes that misused the public’s unprecedented investment in economic recovery. The distressed condition of the national housing market, paired with high unemployment, created a fertile environment for unscrupulous fraudsters seeking to take advantage of desperate homeowners. Criminals who commit mortgage fraud, securities and commodities fraud, and other types of fraud victimize the American public as a whole. Similarly, those who defraud Medicare, Medicaid, and other government health care programs defraud every American. 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 address these critical problems by vigorously investigating and prosecuting white collar crimes, including financial fraud and health care fraud, in order to protect American businesses, consumers, and taxpayers. Fraud and public corruption, as reported by this Priority Goal, include a number of criminal and civil reporting categories including but not limited to: financial crime and corruption; public and corporate fraud, including health care fraud and mortgage fraud; public corruption; computer/cybercrime; identity theft; intellectual property crimes; and procurement fraud. Public corruption is a breach of trust by federal, state, or local officials—often with the help of private sector accomplices. Public corruption misdirects public monies, distorts governmental decision-making and threatens our democratic processes. Corrupt public officials undermine our country’s national security, our overall safety, the public trust, and confidence in the U.S. government, wasting billions of dollars. This corruption can tarnish virtually every aspect of society. The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), passed in 1977, makes it illegal for U.S. companies, U.S. persons, and foreign corporations with certain U.S. ties to bribe foreign officials to obtain or retain business overseas. Foreign bribery can impact U.S. financial markets, economic growth, and national security. It also breaks down the international free market system by promoting anti-competitive behavior and, ultimately, makes consumers pay more. The Department will pursue criminal and civil litigation to protect the federal fisc and hold accountable corrupt officials and those who commit fraud; and promote transparency in markets by preserving competition and protecting consumers and investors.
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FY14-15 Agency Priority Goals
An Agency Priority Goal is a near-term result or achievement that agency leadership wants to accomplish within approximately 24 months that relies predominantly on agency implementation as opposed to budget or legislative accomplishments. Click below to see this agency's FY14-15 Priority Goals.
Agency Priority Goal:
Statement:
National Security: Protect Americans from terrorism and other threats to National Security, including cyber security threats.
By September 30, 2015, the Department of Justice will: Disrupt 175 terrorist threats and groups and disrupt and dismantle 600 cyber threat actors.
Description:
Terrorism is the most significant national security threat that the country faces. Accordingly, the Department’s number one priority is, and will continue to be, protecting the security of this Nation’s citizens. The Administration has recognized that terrorism cannot be defeated by military means alone. The Department of Justice serves at the forefront of the fight against terrorism, providing a broad spectrum of tools, resources, and skills to combat terrorists. Specifically, the Department’s agents, analysts, and prosecutors will continue to use every available resource and appropriate tool to detect, deter, and disrupt terrorist plots, investigate and prosecute terrorists, and aid in developing rule of law programs in post-conflict countries to help prevent terrorism abroad. The Department will aggressively pursue emerging threats around the world and at home, enhance the ability to gather and analyze actionable intelligence, and engage in outreach efforts to all communities in order to prevent terrorism before it occurs.
Cyber activities, likewise, constitute a growing threat to our national security. As an initial matter, an increasing number of sophisticated state and non-state actors have both the desire and the capability to steal sensitive data, trade secrets, and intellectual property for military and competitive advantage. In addition, cyber-enabled terrorism poses a viable threat to national security. Although the United States has not yet encountered terrorist organizations using the Internet to launch a full-scale cyber-attack, the Department believes that it is a question of when, not if, they will attempt to do so. The cyber threat demands ready and fluid means of sharing information and coordinating actions and responses. In order to successfully investigate and disrupt cyber threats, the Department must be creative and forward-looking in its approach, considering what kinds of tools, investigations, and outreach can be launched now to lay the groundwork for future cyber protective efforts.
Agency Priority Goal:
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.
Agency Priority Goal:
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.
Agency Priority Goal:
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.
