The Multi-State Regional Intelligence Projects--Who Will Oversee These Federally Funded Networks?

Gao ID: GGD-81-36 December 31, 1980

The Department of Justice funds seven regional intelligence information networks which provide State and local agencies with a broad range of intelligence and investigative support services. The Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA) established an Intelligence Systems and Policy Review Board to oversee Federal funds going into the projects. LEAA also maintains a discretionary grant program which provides day-to-day monitoring of grants for the networks. Since LEAA is being phased out, it is uncertain which agency or bureau in Justice will provide administrative oversight of these networks in the future.

Successors to the LEAA discretionary grant program and the policy review board are needed since continued Federal funding for the intelligence projects has been appropriated. Since the emerging networks work or intend to work with a number of other Federal law enforcement agencies, representation on the new board may need to be expanded. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is making contingency plans to assume the responsibility for day-to-day grant monitoring. However, some regional project officials are concerned because DEA is drug oriented and some of the networks focus on other types of crime. A clearly defined role for the networks is needed to enhance their relationship with Federal law enforcement agencies.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: Ronald F. Lauve Team: General Accounting Office: General Government Division Phone: (202) 512-6113


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