Sexual Exploitation of Children--A Problem of Unknown Magnitude
HRD-82-64: Published: Apr 20, 1982. Publicly Released: Apr 20, 1982.
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In response to a congressional request, GAO gathered information on teenage prostitution and child pornography, and it reviewed Federal, State, and local efforts to deal with these problems. GAO made an extensive literature search and sent questionnaires to States, territories, police departments, and mayors' offices in major cities. GAO also developed detailed information on teenage prostitution and child pornography in large population centers on both the east and west coasts of the United States.
The literature search revealed a wide range of estimates on the number of children involved in prostitution or pornography. Officials responding to the questionnaire generally believed that the number of teenage prostitutes, as well as the number of children involved in pornography, had increased during the past 5 years. The results of the study showed that many teenage female prostitutes are products of a poor home environment. They often see prostitution as a life of adventure, glamour, excitement, and an easy way to earn money. Many male teenage prostitutes are gay identified and become prostitutes to explore their homosexuality. Many female prostitutes come from low socioeconomic backgrounds, have done poorly in school, possess poor self-images, and have limited job opportunities. Children involved in pornography often have similar backgrounds of family abuse or neglect. They can be psychologically scarred and suffer emotional distress for life. Many of the services that sexually exploited children will need, if they wish to leave the life of prostitution or pornography, are available through special programs or social service agencies. However, children who do not come into contact with the police or outreach workers must seek such services on their own. Funding to support these programs may come from Federal, State, county, or private sources. GAO identified only four shelters exclusively for teenage prostitutes.
Oct 26, 2020
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Intellectual Property:
CBP Has Taken Steps to Combat Counterfeit Goods in Small Packages but Could Streamline EnforcementGAO-20-692: Published: Sep 24, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 26, 2020.
Sep 30, 2020
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Federal Criminal Restitution:
Department of Justice Has Ongoing Efforts to Improve Its Oversight of the Collection of Restitution and Tracking the Use of Forfeited AssetsGAO-20-676R: Published: Sep 30, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 30, 2020.
Sep 10, 2020
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Federal Tactical Teams:
Characteristics, Training, Deployments, and InventoryGAO-20-710: Published: Sep 10, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 10, 2020.
Sep 8, 2020
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VA Police:
Actions Needed to Improve Data Completeness and Accuracy on Use of Force Incidents at Medical CentersGAO-20-599: Published: Sep 8, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 8, 2020.
Aug 13, 2020
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Anti-Money Laundering:
FinCEN Should Enhance Procedures for Implementing and Evaluating Geographic Targeting OrdersGAO-20-546: Published: Jul 14, 2020. Publicly Released: Aug 13, 2020.
Jul 29, 2020
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Federal Prison Industries:
Actions Needed to Evaluate Program EffectivenessGAO-20-505: Published: Jul 29, 2020. Publicly Released: Jul 29, 2020.
Jul 8, 2020
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Gun Control:
DOJ Can Further Improve Guidance on Federal Firearm Background Check RecordsGAO-20-528: Published: Jul 8, 2020. Publicly Released: Jul 8, 2020.
Jun 22, 2020
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Federal Prisons:
Additional Analysis Needed to Determine Whether to Issue Pepper Spray to Minimum Security PrisonsGAO-20-342: Published: Jun 22, 2020. Publicly Released: Jun 22, 2020.
May 26, 2020
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Bureau of Prisons:
Improved Planning Would Help BOP Evaluate and Manage Its Portfolio of Drug Education and Treatment ProgramsGAO-20-423: Published: May 26, 2020. Publicly Released: May 26, 2020.
May 12, 2020
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Forensic Technology:
Algorithms Used in Federal Law EnforcementGAO-20-479SP: Published: May 12, 2020. Publicly Released: May 12, 2020.
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