as and bonds forwarded by mail to recipients, thereby reducing the number of checks and bonds that would otherwise come to us investigative referrals later. We hope to continue to enjoy the benefits of the "sting operation" in this and future years. The following chart reflects the number of check cases received for investigation for Fiscal Years 1979 through 1983 with estimated numbers to be received in Fiscal Years 1984 and 1985 (Chart D). Bond Forgery During Fiscal Year 1983, the total number of bond referral cases increased slightly from about 9,700 cases in Fiscal Year 1982 to 10,000 cases in Fiscal Year 1983. More stolen bonds are being recoverd before they are forged, thereby reducing the number of bonds which appear as forgery referrals at a later date. Arrests for the same period decreased from 122 during Fiscal Year 1982 to a total of 95 during Fiscal Year 1983. The following chart shows the number of bond forgery cases received for investigation during Fiscal Years 1979 through 1983 with the estimated number of cases for Fiscal Years 1984 and 1985 (Chart E). 140,000 130,000 120,000 110,000 Chart D United States Secret Service NUMBER OF FORGED CHECK CASES RECEIVED FOR INVESTIGATION Fiscal Years 1979-1985 100,000 90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 20,000 15,000 Chart E United States Secret Service NUMBER OF FORGED BOND CASES Fiscal Years 1979-1985 10,000 5,000 0 Fraud In January of 1982, a Department of Justice Task Force on Food Coupon Fraud was created to deter major traffickers in U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Coupons. During 1983, twenty food coupon fraud "sting operations" were conducted by Secret Service field offices. Approximately 500 arrests ensued from these investigations. On October 26, 1982 Department of the Treasury Order number 170-1 was signed authorizing the Secret Service to receive and analyze allegations of, and develop information and conduct investigations concerning, thefts and frauds involving any electronic transfer of funds (a) which belong to the Treasury Department or any subordinate agency; (b) for which the Department or any subordinate agency may be responsible or liable; or (c) with respect to which the Department or any subordinate agency may otherwise have, or have to defend against, a civil claim of any type. The dramatic impact of this jurisdiction is reflected in caseload statistics. During Fiscal Year 1983, 4,392 electronic funds transfer cases were investigated by our field installations. Organized Crime The Secret Service continues to participate in the Organized Crime Strike Force Program of the Department of Justice. The Secret Service is an active member of the National Organized Crime Planning Council, which consists of members of Federal law enforcement agencies. The council visits the several strike forces throughout the country and gathers information concerning organized crime interests. At present, the Secret Service has designated 14 Organized Crime Strike Force representatives in our field offices who coordinate their efforts with the national representative assigned to headquarters. Visits by the council to the Strike Force Districts have renewed enthusiasm and interest in the program. Our strike force representatives report that inter-agency cooperation has improved and, as a result, information that otherwise would not have been received has become available, proving beneficial to our investigative activities. Equal Employment Opportunity The Service has continued to pursue a vigorous program for the recruitment of qualified minority employees, as well as a program to prepare minority clerical employees for advancement into administrative and technical positions. As you know, the Service |