The Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) is a section of the United States Department of Justice Criminal Division created in 2010.[1] VCRS is a group of trial lawyers and prosecutors that develop ways to eradicate significant regional, national, and international organized crime groups and violent gangs.[1] The prosecutors of VCRS are considered "the nation’s foremost experts in racketeering prosecutions."[2] VCRS prosecutes cases brought to it by the Criminal Division, various federal agencies, including the DEA, the ATF, among others.[2] VCRS works alongside prosecutors from the United States Attorney's Office in the Violent Crime Initiative.[2]
Violent Crime and Racketeering Section | |
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Abbreviation | VCRS |
Agency overview | |
Formed | 2010 |
Preceding agencies | |
Jurisdictional structure | |
Operations jurisdiction | United States |
Operational structure | |
Agency executive |
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Parent agency |
VCRS was created by combining and merging components and parts of the following sections and units of the Criminal Division:[3]
- Organized Crime and Racketeering Section
- Gang Unit
- National Gang Targeting Enforcement and Coordination Center (GangTECC)[3]
Note: according to the United States Government, "Gangs" and "Organized crime," are considered different types of entities.[4]
- David L. Jaffe, Chief
- Kim Dammers, Principal Deputy
- Elizabeth Yang, Deputy Chief
- Kelly Pearson, Deputy Chief
- Gerald A. Toner, Assistant Chief for Labor-Management Racketeering
References
edit- ^ a b c "Criminal Division | About VCRS". www.justice.gov. 2015-05-26. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
- ^ a b c "Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces Surge of Resources to Fight Violent Crime in Three Additional Cities | ATF". www.atf.gov. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
- ^ a b "Criminal Division | Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) | United States Department of Justice". www.justice.gov. 2023-08-28. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
- ^ "Organized Crime and Gangs". Carmichael Ellis and Brock. Retrieved September 1, 2024.