Operation FALCON 2007: Federal and Local Cops Organized Nationally

FALCON 2007

In February 2007, the U.S. Marshals Service conducted Operation FALCON-Baltimore, which focused on gang members and gang activity, and resulted in the apprehension of 195 fugitive felons. In May 2007, Operation FALCON-Indianapolis took place following a successful Fugitive Safe Surrender, and resulted in the arrest of 283 individuals.   FALCON 2007 Facts

As part of a series of new initiatives that were announced in May and June 2007 within the Department of Justice, the Attorney General directed the United States Marshals Service to continue to conduct fugitive apprehension initiatives, including FALCON (Federal And Local Cops Organized Nationally) operations.

Consistent with the Department of Justice goals and objectives, the success of these localized operations resulted in the U.S. Marshals Service conducting several additional operations targeting various offender groups in selected States, districts, areas, and cities. 

A total of 27 local FALCON operations were conducted between June and September 2007.

The initiatives took place at varying times, and targeted violent fugitive felons, sexual offenders, and individuals associated with gang activity. Several factors influenced the selection of target areas for this initiative, including the Department of Justice Safe Communities program, which addresses significant increases in violent crime in specific locations; areas identified by the Gang Targeting Enforcement Coordination Center (GangTECC); as well as areas identified by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) as having significant numbers of sexual offenders not in compliance with registration requirements.

Deputy U.S. Marshals teamed up with their state, local, and federal colleagues in a fugitive interdiction effort in specific cities.  FALCON 2007 resulted in the arrest of 6,406 fugitives and the clearance of 8,219 warrants.  Of those fugitives arrested, 542 were wanted for sexual offenses, 235 for not registering as sex offenders. In addition, 300 documented gang members were arrested, 2,569 narcotics / organized crime drug enforcement task force warrants were cleared, and 249 firearms were seized.

Teamwork ensured the success of this summer-long initiative covering twenty-seven cities and regions. A total of 540 different agencies participated - 22 federal, 70 state, 206 county sheriffs / departments, and 242 police departments. Within the Marshals Service, 30 districts participated.