NCJ Number
211148
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 72 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2005 Pages: 32-37
Date Published
August 2005
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes the fugitive-apprehension activities of the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS), notably its leadership in developing and implementing Operation Global Pursuit.
Abstract
Although its primary function is to provide security for American diplomatic missions abroad, as part of a strategy to integrate security and law enforcement, DS developed and implemented Operation Global Pursuit, which has four major components: locating international fugitives, providing specialized and expert international investigative case assistance, child advocacy, and the Rewards for Justice program. In locating international fugitive, DS provides assistance to all Federal and local law enforcement agencies in locating fugitives abroad; efforts are predicated on a formal agreement with the U.S. Marshals Service. Noteworthy success stories in overseas fugitive apprehension have involved Thomas Koucky, an admitted molester of more than 300 boys; Michael Webster, who was wanted for aggravated sexual abuse of 3 children and as a prime suspect in a homicide investigation; and Reinaldo Silvestre, who mutilated dozens of people who believed him to be a plastic surgeon. As part of its child advocacy focus, in 2004, DS was instrumental in locating, capturing, and returning 25 pedophiles who were hiding overseas. This work has been aided by the Federal Protect Act, which provides powerful new tools for U.S. law enforcement agencies in efforts to arrest and prosecute U.S. citizens or permanent residents who commit sex crimes against children overseas. The Rewards for Justice program, another component of Operation Global Pursuit, offers rewards of up to $5 million for information that prevents or favorably resolves acts of international terrorism against U.S. persons or property worldwide.