Learning the Players and Identifying Targets: Tactics for Smaller Offices (From Prosecution of Public Corruption Cases, P 269-275, 1988, U.S. Department of Justice -- See NCJ-110010)

• NCJ Number: 110031
• Author(s): J M Lawless
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: For microfiche, see NCJ-110010.

Annotation

The first step for smaller U.S. Attorney's Offices interested in targeting corruption among public officials is to discuss public corruption in the district with staff members and identify those individuals and agencies that might be interested.

Abstract

Smaller offices should avail themselves not only of Federal investigative resources in their pursuit of such cases, but also of State and local resources. Close teamwork, without rivalry among agents and attorneys, is essential to investigation and prosecution. When records are received in an investigation, both agents and attorneys should review them. When convictions are obtained, efforts should be made to obtain cooperation from defendants in turning in their former protectors or associates. In one case, a successful gambling investigation led to the identification of corrupt police and a drug ring involved in theft, arson, and murder. 'Follow-the-money' also suggests potentially fruitful avenues for the identification of bid-rigging, kickbacks, and other forms of contracting fraud. Finally, press coverage of property sales or rezoning decisions may provide leads for public corruption investigations.