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Targeting Drug Activity Through Cash Transactions

NCJ Number
176905
Date Published
1998
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings from an evaluation of Illinois' program of Cash Transaction Reporting Units (CTRUs), which were designed to collect, store, and analyze cash transaction data for subsequent identification, investigation, and prosecution of individuals involved in drug-related money laundering.
Abstract
The CTRU operated by the Illinois State Police (ISP) was designed to assist in multijurisdictional investigations and included a database for the identification of suspected offenders. The reporting unit operated by the Attorney General's Office (AGOs) provided prosecutorial expertise to support the investigation and prosecution of drug traffickers. The two units were designed to complement one another and also assist the Drug Conspiracy Task Forces (DCTFs) operated by both agencies. The evaluation of the program used case file information, activity reports, funding agreement documentation, correspondence, and interviews to establish assessment data and make program recommendations. Issues related to personnel, resource allocation, and location were the focus of the evaluation findings. The evaluation found that the strength of the program was in its effort to provide services for requesting agencies. Program weaknesses pertained to personnel issues and lack of goal-oriented activities. Recommendations are offered for improving CTRU operations for both the ISP and the AGO. For the full report, see NCJ-176910. 2 tables and 1 figure