Drug Suppression/Habitual Offender Program Awards Were Proper

In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed five 1983 cooperative agreements awarded to cities participating in the Drug Suppression/Habitual Offender Program to determine whether: (1) the agreements were eligible for funding under the Special Emphasis Prevention and Treatment Program; and (2) the noncompetitive method used to make the five initial awards violated application and award requirements.

The objectives of the Special Emphasis Prevention and Treatment Program include developing, implementing, or improving methods to prevent or control juvenile delinquency or to improve the juvenile justice system. To be eligible for such funding, a program can focus on treatment, rehabilitation, education, training, or research. The primary purpose of the Drug Suppression/Habitual Offender Program is to reduce juvenile delinquency by reducing illegal drug sales and abuses by juveniles by: (1) developing a model program to assist law enforcement authorities in interdicting and suppressing drug traffic among juveniles; (2) focusing and directing police operations toward habitual juvenile drug offenders; and (3) developing a group of police professionals to provide ongoing technical assistance to future participants. GAO believes that the program's objectives are consistent with those of the act and that the program is eligible for special emphasis funds. There is no requirement that special emphasis cooperative agreements be awarded competitively. GAO found that the required procedures were complied with in making the initial five awards to participants in the program.