Military Cooperation With Civilian Law Enforcement Agencies
Published: Jul 28, 1983. Publicly Released: Jul 28, 1983.
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In congressional testimony based on its recent report, GAO discussed the use of the military to assist Federal drug law enforcement agencies in drug interdiction efforts since the enactment of amendments to the Posse Comitatus Act in 1981. The amendments were designed to remove restrictions and ambiguities and to facilitate cooperation between military and civilian officials. As required by the amendments, the Department of Defense (DOD) established policies and procedures which stipulated that DOD cooperate with civilian law enforcement agencies to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with the needs of national security, military preparedness, and the historic tradition of limiting direct military involvement in civilian law enforcement activities. Several factors which continue to limit military assistance are: (1) incompatibility between military systems and activities and the needs of law enforcement; (2) a requirement that DOD obtain reimbursement under certain circumstances, which could strain civilian law enforcement budgets; and (3) the disclosure of classified information regarding the use of sophisticated military systems in criminal court proceedings. GAO anticipates that military assistance will increase in the future as defense and law enforcement agencies explore the possibilities for a coordinated attack on drug smuggling.
Sep 26, 2018
Native American Youth:
Information on Involvement in Justice Systems and Grant Programs to Help Address Juvenile DelinquencyGAO-18-697T: Published: Sep 26, 2018. Publicly Released: Sep 26, 2018.
Sep 5, 2018
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Law Enforcement:
Few Individuals Denied Firearms Purchases Are Prosecuted and ATF Should Assess Use of Warning Notices in Lieu of ProsecutionsGAO-18-440: Published: Sep 5, 2018. Publicly Released: Sep 5, 2018. -
Native American Youth:
Involvement in Justice Systems and Information on Grants to Help Address Juvenile DelinquencyGAO-18-591: Published: Sep 5, 2018. Publicly Released: Sep 5, 2018.
Jul 18, 2018
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DNA Evidence:
Preliminary Observations on DOJ's DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Grant ProgramGAO-18-651T: Published: Jul 18, 2018. Publicly Released: Jul 18, 2018.
Jul 16, 2018
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Office of Special Counsel:
Actions Needed to Improve Processing of Prohibited Personnel Practice and Whistleblower Disclosure CasesGAO-18-400: Published: Jun 14, 2018. Publicly Released: Jul 16, 2018.
Jun 27, 2018
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
Progress and Challenges in Recruiting, Hiring, and Retaining Law Enforcement PersonnelGAO-18-487: Published: Jun 27, 2018. Publicly Released: Jun 27, 2018.
May 31, 2018
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Federal Judiciary:
The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Should Ensure Financial Disclosure Redaction Reports Are Submitted to Congress AnnuallyGAO-18-406: Published: May 31, 2018. Publicly Released: May 31, 2018.
May 17, 2018
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Illicit Opioids:
Office of National Drug Control Policy and Other Agencies Need to Better Assess Strategic EffortsGAO-18-569T: Published: May 17, 2018. Publicly Released: May 17, 2018.
Apr 18, 2018
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Immigration Courts:
Observations on Restructuring Options and Actions Needed to Address Long-Standing Management ChallengesGAO-18-469T: Published: Apr 18, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 18, 2018.
Apr 12, 2018
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Illicit Opioids:
While Greater Attention Given to Combating Synthetic Opioids, Agencies Need to Better Assess their EffortsGAO-18-205: Published: Mar 29, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 12, 2018.
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