Drug Investigations:
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program's Accomplishments
GGD-87-64BR: Published: May 6, 1987. Publicly Released: May 26, 1987.
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In response to a congressional request, GAO determined: (1) the validity of certain accomplishments the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) claimed, such as the number of offenders convicted, sentences imposed, criminal fines assessed, and non-drug assets seized and/or forfeited; (2) compliance with an OCDETF guideline requiring U.S. Attorney approval for pleas to less than the most serious charges; and (3) whether task force attorneys are seeking enhanced drug penalties for offenders with prior federal felony drug convictions.
GAO found that OCDETF reported that: (1) it convicted 1,408 offenders, but GAO identified 1,528 convictions; (2) about 80 percent of the 1,408 convicted offenders were sentenced to various prison terms; (3) it assessed $9,624,000 in criminal fines, whereas GAO identified $9,607,000; and (4) the value of asset seizures totalled $157.6 million and forfeitures amounted to $52 million. GAO also found that: (1) 16 districts did not follow the OCDETF guideline concerning plea agreements; (2) 16 districts obtained oral approval from the U.S Attorney; (3) 13 districts obtained oral or written approval from the U.S. attorney or some other official in the U.S. Attorney's office; and (4) 2 districts did not provide information. In addition, GAO reported that: (1) of 1,450 offenders convicted of drug offenses, 64 had prior felony drug convictions; (2) prosecutors sought the enhanced penalty for 27 of the 64 offenders; and (3) during the summer of 1987, the administrative staff will consider the issue of whether a prosecutor's decision not to seek an enhanced penalty should be subject to the approval of the U.S. Attorney.
Apr 12, 2018
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.
Mar 20, 2018
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U.S. Patent and Trademark Office:
Observations on the Covered Business Method Patent Review ProgramGAO-18-451T: Published: Mar 20, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 20, 2018.
Mar 13, 2018
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U.S. Patent and Trademark Office:
Assessment of the Covered Business Method Patent Review ProgramGAO-18-320: Published: Mar 12, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 13, 2018.
Mar 12, 2018
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National Roadside Survey:
NHTSA Changed Methodology to Address Driver ConcernsGAO-18-328R: Published: Mar 12, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 12, 2018.
Feb 15, 2018
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Federal Prisons:
Information on Inmates with Serious Mental Illness and Strategies to Reduce RecidivismGAO-18-182: Published: Feb 15, 2018. Publicly Released: Feb 15, 2018.
Feb 8, 2018
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Federal Law Enforcement:
DHS and DOJ Are Working to Enhance Responses to Incidents Involving Individuals with Mental IllnessGAO-18-229: Published: Feb 8, 2018. Publicly Released: Feb 8, 2018.
Feb 2, 2018
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Federal Criminal Restitution:
Most Debt Is Outstanding and Oversight of Collections Could Be ImprovedGAO-18-203: Published: Feb 2, 2018. Publicly Released: Feb 2, 2018.
Jan 8, 2018
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Bureau of Prisons:
Better Planning and Evaluation Could Help Ensure Effective Use of Retention IncentivesGAO-18-147: Published: Dec 7, 2017. Publicly Released: Jan 8, 2018.
Dec 21, 2017
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Internet Firearm Sales:
ATF Enforcement Efforts and Outcomes of GAO Covert TestingGAO-18-24: Published: Nov 21, 2017. Publicly Released: Dec 21, 2017.
Dec 13, 2017
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Department of Justice:
Continued Action Needed To Address Incarceration Challenges and Offenders' ReentryGAO-18-275T: Published: Dec 13, 2017. Publicly Released: Dec 13, 2017.
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