An effective criminal justice system requires cooperation and coordination among federal, state and local law enforcement. Successful enforcement and prevention strategies must include elements of consistent outreach to community stakeholders. Those who demonstrate a remarkable ability to coordinate and collaborate are competitive when applying for federal grant funds.

LAW ENFORCEMENT COORDINATION

In the District of Massachusetts, as in most other districts, law enforcement efforts are coordinated through some of the following partnerships, task forces and working groups.

• Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council (ATAC)
  

• Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF)
  

• Counter-Proliferation Working Group (CPWG)
  

• Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF)
  

• Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force
  

• Plymouth/Middlesex Child Sexual Predator Task Force
  

• Hampden Child Sexual Predator Task Force
  

• Partnerships Advancing Communities Together (PACT)
  

• DOJ National Forum on Youth Violence
  

• Massachusetts Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking
  

• Indian Country Law Enforcement Initiative (ICI)

If you have questions about an existing partnership or wish to discuss a new partnership, please contact our office and ask to speak to the Law Enforcement Coordinator.

EQUITABLE SHARING PROGRAM: Cooperation Through Asset Forfeiture

Forfeiture is one of the most effective weapons in the law enforcement arsenal. Federal law enforcement agencies adopt state and local seizures for federal forfeiture whenever appropriate in order to immobilize criminal enterprises and to enhance cooperation among federal, state, and local agencies. The furtherance of law enforcement cooperation with state and local law enforcement agencies is one of the primary goals of the Department's asset forfeiture program. Equitable sharing has been a dramatic success in fostering cooperation with our state and local law enforcement colleagues.

In 2010, a total of $947,822.65 in judicial equitable sharing was issued to state, local and federal law enforcement agencies.

*These amount represent forfeitures from criminal and civil matters, but do not include Department of Treasury forfeitures or administrative forfeitures by agencies without judicial involvement.

OUTREACH

Improving the quality of life for citizens in the district involves not only prosecuting criminals and litigating cases, but connecting with stakeholders to understand the needs and gaps in services within the local communities. The Department of Justice has undergone tight budget restrictions over the last several years. With limited resources, it is critical that the U.S. Attorney’s Office understand local dynamics so it can allocate its resources more effectively.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office maintains contact in various forums with law enforcement, government agencies, community groups, non-profit service providers, religious leaders, residents and others. Staying connecting with these stakeholders provides us with knowledge to enhance our District’s strategy and gives us much needed insight on how to tailor and where to leverage resources.

When resources are available, our office provides training and presentations to law enforcement, schools, organizations, and other interested groups. We are also involved in outreach through the following partnerships:

• Plymouth/Middlesex Child Sexual Predator Task Force
  

• Hampden Child Sexual Predator Task Force
  

• Massachusetts Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking

• Project Safe Neighborhoods
  

• Prisoner Reentry
  

• Civil Rights Enforcement Team (CRET)

• Washington Street Corridor Weed and Seed Steering Committee
  

• Partnerships Advancing Communities Together (PACT)
  

• DOJ National Forum on Youth Violence
  

• Boston’s Defending Childhood Initiative
  

• Indian Country Law Enforcement Initiative (ICI)

Current Training Opportunities

 

GRANTS

Federal grant funding serves as an important resource for law enforcement, government agencies, community groups, non-profit service providers and other stakeholders in the Commonwealth. The Department of Justice and other federal agencies regularly fund projects through grant solicitations. If you wish to receive notice of federal grant opportunities, you may register online at www.grants.gov. If you would like to partner with the U.S. Attorney's Office on a specific enforcement, community policing or outreach strategy, please contact our office and ask to speak with the Law Enforcement Coordinator.

To report waste, fraud, abuse or misconduct by Department of Justice grantees, please visit the website for the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

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