| Description |
1 online resource (iii, 68 p.) : ill. |
| System Details |
System requirements: Adobe Reader. |
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Mode of access: World Wide Web. |
| Note |
Title from PDF title screen (GAO, viewed May 13, 2010). |
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"April 2010." |
| Summary |
Thousands of gang members in the United States belong to gangs such as MS-13 and 18th Street that are also active in Central American countries. Federal entities with responsibilities for addressing Central American gangs include the National Security Council (NSC); the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Justice (DOJ), and State; and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). GAO was asked to review federal efforts to combat transnational gangs. This report addresses (1) the extent to which the federal government has developed a strategy to combat these gangs, and (2) how federal agencies have implemented the strategy and other programs to combat these gangs, coordinated their actions, and assessed their results. GAO examined federal agencies' antigang plans, resources, and measures; interviewed federal, state, and local officials in seven localities representing varying population sizes and geographic regions; and interviewed U.S. and foreign officials in El Salvador and Guatemala where U.S. agencies have implemented antigang programs. The results of these interviews are not generalizable. GAO recommends that the NSC revise the antigang strategy to include an approach for oversight and performance measures and that DOJ and DHS reach agreement on the composition of an antigang unit in El Salvador. The NSC did not comment. DOJ and DHS agreed with our recommendation to them. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references. |
| Note |
"GAO-10-395." |
| Subject |
Gangs -- Central America.
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MS-13 (Gang)
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18th Street (Gang)
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United States. Department of State -- Rules and practice -- Evaluation.
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United States. Agency for International Development -- Rules and practice -- Evaluation.
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National Security Council (U.S.) -- Rules and practice -- Evaluation.
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United States. Department of Homeland Security -- Rules and practice -- Evaluation.
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United States. Department of Justice -- Rules and practice -- Evaluation.
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Violence in adolescence -- Central America.
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Gang prevention -- Central America -- Measurement.
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Interagency coordination -- United States.
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Transnational crime.
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| Added Author |
Larence, Eileen Regen.
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| Added Title |
Federal agencies have implemented a Central American gang strategy, but could strengthen oversight and measurement of efforts |
| Gpo Item No. |
0546-D (online) |
| Sudoc No. |
GA 1.13:GAO-10-395 |
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