The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) is a key element in the United States’ strategy against transnational organized crime and drug trafficking. Formed in 1982, OCDETF’s primary goal is to diminish the availability of illegal narcotics in the U.S. while combating transnational organized crime.
Structure And Resources Of OCDETF
OCDETF stands as the largest anti-crime task force in the United States. It operates under the guidance of an Executive Office and employs a substantial workforce comprising over 500 federal prosecutors, 1,200 federal agents, and approximately 5,000 state and local police officers. The task force implements a national strategy that prioritizes targeted operations, coordination, intelligence sharing, and directed resource allocation. This approach is designed to disrupt and dismantle the command and control structures of criminal organizations. Thomas W. Padden, a federal prosecutor, currently serves as the Acting Director of the OCDETF.
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Member Agencies
OCDETF’s effectiveness stems from its collaboration with various governmental departments and law enforcement agencies, including:
- U.S. Department of Justice: Involves U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Criminal Division; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation; and U.S. Marshals Service.
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Homeland Security Investigations), U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Secret Service.
- U.S. Department of the Treasury: Comprises the Internal Revenue Service, specifically its Criminal Investigations division.
- U.S. Postal Service: Integrates the Postal Inspection Service.
- U.S. Department of Labor: Involves the Office of the Inspector General.
- U.S. Department of State: Collaborates with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
OCDETF Investigations And Prosecutions Overview
Scope Of OCDETF’s Focus
OCDETF’s investigative and prosecutorial efforts are directed towards confronting organizations involved in various forms of criminal conduct. These activities include:
- Drug Trafficking: Handling illegal and harmful drug substances.
- Money Laundering: Concealing the origins of illegally obtained money.
- Arms Trafficking: Illegal distribution and sale of firearms.
- Financial Crimes: Manipulating financial, securities, and commodities markets.
- Cybercrime: Conducting cyber intrusions targeting citizens, industries, and government agencies.
- Human Trafficking: Involving in kidnapping and human trafficking.
- Fugitive Pursuit: Continuing criminal activities while evading law enforcement.
- Violence and Terrorism: Engaging in acts of violence and supporting terrorist groups or hostile governments.
- Other Criminal Activities: Participating in various other forms of serious crime.
Impact And Goals Of OCDETF
OCDETF’s primary goal is to disrupt and dismantle the entire infrastructure of these transnational criminal organizations. By targeting every component of these networks, OCDETF aims to achieve the following:
- Reducing Drug Availability: Lowering the presence of illegal drugs in communities.
- Curbing Violence and Corruption: Decreasing criminal activities related to the drug trade.
- Protecting National Infrastructure: Safeguarding the country’s infrastructure and stability from threats posed by these criminal networks.
OCDETF Strike Forces Overview
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Forces Initiative is a significant program in the United States that aims to dismantle criminal organizations. This initiative combines the efforts of various law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. The primary focus of these Strike Forces is to conduct intelligence-driven operations that span multiple jurisdictions, targeting key criminal figures and their associated financial networks.
Key Features And Goals Of OCDETF Strike Forces
The OCDETF Strike Forces are multi-agency teams led by prosecutors. They work together over extended periods, fostering deep relationships among agents, analysts, and prosecutors. The primary objectives of the OCDETF Strike Forces include:
- Enhancing communication and collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement.
- Conducting total, multi-jurisdictional operations against high-priority targets.
Strike Force Locations
The OCDETF Strike Forces are strategically positioned in various major cities throughout the United States. These locations include:
- Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, El Paso, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, San Juan, St. Louis, and Tampa.
This nationwide presence enables the Strike Forces to effectively address organized crime challenges that vary regionally, making a significant impact on criminal networks at both local and national levels.
Operational Case Support And Intelligence Overview
The OCDETF Fusion Center, commonly known as the OFC, stands as a pivotal element in law enforcement’s fight against drug trafficking and transnational organized crime. This center operates as a hub for information sharing, pooling together resources and intelligence from various agencies. The primary goal of the OFC is to facilitate inter-agency collaboration, focusing on operational intelligence that directly aids in the initiation, expansion, and support of field investigations and legal prosecutions.
Key Functions And Importance Of OFC
The OFC has an extensive collection of federal and foreign investigative reports across the U.S. government. By integrating case data and intelligence from multiple member agencies, the OFC is able to analyze this information to identify operations of criminal groups. This, in turn, enables investigators and prosecutors to align and coordinate their efforts more effectively.
Role In OCDETF’s Mission
The OFC is not just an information-sharing platform; it is central to the strategy of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). The OFC plays a crucial role in OCDETF’s mission to dismantle and disrupt significant criminal outfits. This includes targeting drug cartels, money laundering operations, and violent gangs that operate across borders.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces
What Is The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF)?
The OCDETF is a critical aspect of the US Department of Justice (DOJ) that combats transnational organized crime and drug trafficking. OCDETF aims to reduce the availability of illegal narcotics in the U.S. and address the challenges posed by transnational organized crime.
Which Agencies Collaborate With OCDETF?
OCDETF works closely with various governmental departments and law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, Department of the Treasury, U.S. Postal Service, Department of Labor, and Department of State, alongside state and local law enforcement agencies.
What Types Of Crimes Does OCDETF Focus On?
OCDETF targets organizations involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, arms trafficking, financial crimes, cybercrime, human trafficking, fugitive pursuit, violence and terrorism, and other serious criminal activities.
Contact Cofer Luster Law Firm, PC For Federal Criminal Defense Representation
Are you facing charges? The federal criminal defense lawyers at Cofer Luster Law Firm, PC are here to help. Our experienced team focuses in handling cases that stem from OCDETF’s involvement, and we are dedicated to defending your rights. Contact the lawyers at Cofer Luster Law Firm, PC today at (682) 777-3336 or connect with us online for a consultation.
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