The Government Solutions of Violent Crimes

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Report on Violent Crimes
Fusion Centers
Safe Streets Violent Crimes Initiative
Witness Security Program
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Dealing with criminal cases has not been an easy task for the law enforcement officers in U.S. This has been due to the lack of proper structures and information that can be used to curb criminal activities. “A report that was presented to the congress by attorney general, Michael Mukasey, revealed the nature of organized violent crimes in the U.S” (Mukasey, 2008).

Report on Violent Crimes

This report revealed how the gangs conduct their activities in U.S. The document further indicated that the security and safety of the people in suburban areas had been greatly jeopardized by gangs. These gangs have now extended their operations to remote areas. The migration of these gangs started in 1980s and it became more common in the 1990s. Currently, approximately twenty thousand gangs are believed to be operating within fifty states in U.S and also in Colombia.

The numerous cases of violent crimes and homicides that have occurred have been closely linked to the activities of these gangs. Members of these gangs organize violent crimes in order to build their reputation and also to increase their operations. However, in some cases, these gangs conduct random violent attacks against the unwary citizens. Gangs are also key players in drug trafficking activities. “Law enforcement officers always face unique challenges when handling criminal activities associated with gangs” (Mukasey, 2008). Consequently, strategies employed in controlling gangs should be set up by each community. Law enforcement mechanisms adopted in various communities have greatly assisted in controlling the operations of these gangs.

The measures that have been used in controlling violent crimes were also highlighted in the report. In this case, the department of justice has setup a two fold plan for dealing with gangs. First, it aims at using crime prevention strategies in order to fully rehabilitate offenders who are being integrated back to the community after serving their sentences. Secondly, it aims at employing proper policies when dealing with violent crimes conducted by gangs. In addition to these strategies, the department of justice works closely with other agencies involved in mitigating criminal activities.

Fusion Centers

In 2004, fusion centers were set up in order to assist in collection of necessary information that could help in effectively solving criminal activities. “A fusion center is an effective and efficient mechanism used to exchange information and intelligence, maximize resources, streamline operations, and improve the ability to fight crime” (United States Department of Justice, 2004). These centers have basic guidelines that govern how information is shared among security agencies. Fusion centers have greatly helped in controlling the occurrence of crime in U.S. This is because the information they help in analyzing and verifying is very important in solving criminal cases.

Safe Streets Violent Crimes Initiative

“In 1992, the FBI announced the Safe Streets Violent Crimes Initiative, to allow the Special Agent in Charge of each FBI field division to establish FBI-sponsored, long-term, proactive task forces” (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2003). These task forces were to be concerned with handling activities, especially those associated with violent crimes. “Since 1992, the FBI’s Safe Streets Violent Crime Initiative has successfully aligned FBI Agents, local law enforcement investigators, and federal and state prosecutors onto SSTFs to reduce violent crime” (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2003). This approach also helps the agencies engaged in this process to share information. In addition to these, it also helps in consolidating resources used in combating violent crimes. The FBI has therefore been able to use few resources in conducting proper investigations. The task force has generally been reliable in curbing violent crimes.

Witness Security Program

In 1970, the government set up a Witness Security Program. “The U.S. Marshals Service provides for the security, health and safety of government witnesses, and their immediate dependents, whose lives are in danger as a result of their testimony against drug traffickers, terrorists, organized crime members and other major criminals” (U.S. Department of Justice, 2010). This program has actually been helpful to the government in solving criminal issues.

Conclusion

The above discussion has shown how violent crimes are conducted and the various initiatives that have been taken by the government to solve them. We cannot simply rule out that there is lack of proper structures and information that can be used to deal with criminal activities conducted by gangs in suburban areas. In my view, the government has remained committed in this area, but more should be done to make the law enforcement departments more effective. This would probably give along term solution to violent crimes.

References

Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2003). The Safe Streets Violent Crimes Initiative.

Mukasey, M. (2008). Attorney General’s Report to Congress on the Growth of Violent Street Gangs in Suburban Areas. Web.

U.S. Department of Justice. (2010). Witness Security program.

United States Department of Justice. (2004). Developing and Sharing Information and Intelligence in a New Era.

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