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Task Forces

Many of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s major cases are the result of a collaborative effort among federal, state and local law enforcement. These group initiatives, called task forces, are designed to target a particular criminal activity, and often in a particular geographical area. Combining the resources, intelligence and talents of multiple law enforcement agencies to focus on a particular problem is an effective way to combat crime.

Task Forces:


Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council (ATAC)

United States Attorney's Office
U.S. Post Office & Courthouse
700 Grant Street, Suite 4000
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-644-3500

Point of Contact: AUSA Soo C. Song

The role of virtually every federal, state and local law enforcement agency changed on September 11, 2001. The fight against terrorism became law enforcement's first and overriding priority.  Each United States Attorney's Office established an Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council (ATAC) to serve as a conduit for information sharing about suspected terrorists among law enforcement at all levels.  The Western Pennsylvania ATAC meets periodically to share intelligence and information, and to discuss relevant projects.


Crimes Against Children Task Force

United States Attorney's Office
U.S. Post Office & Courthouse
700 Grant Street, Suite 4000
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-644-3500

Point of Contact: AUSA Heidi M. Grogan

The Crimes Against Children Task Force Task Force (“CACTF”) was formed in 1999 and combines the resources of federal, state and local law enforcement, victim’s services and medical professionals to more effectively prosecute crimes of sexual exploitation of children and to ensure that the unique needs of child victims are met.  Since the CACTF was formed, the number and complexity of successful prosecutions involving the sexual exploitation of children has greatly increased.  Bi-monthly meetings are hosted at the Allegheny County Police Headquarters.


FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force

Federal Bureau of Investigation
3311 East Carson Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-432-4000

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces, or JTTFs, are our nation’s front line of defense against terrorism, both international and domestic. They are groups of highly trained, locally based, passionately committed investigators, analysts, linguists, and other specialists from dozens of U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies. When it comes to investigating terrorism, they do it all: chase down leads, gather evidence, make arrests, provide security for special events, collect and share intelligence, and respond to threats and incidents at a moment’s notice.

JTTFs serve as a national resource and create familiarity among investigators and managers before a crisis by conducting frequent training to maintain the specialized skills of investigators, analysts, and crisis response teams. JTTFs pool talents, skills, and knowledge from across the law enforcement and intelligence communities into a single team that responds together.

FBI-Pittsburgh’s JTTF is working around the clock to protect you, your families, and your communities from terrorist attacks.

 

Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU)

United States Attorney's Office
U.S. Post Office & Courthouse
700 Grant Street, Suite 4000
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-644-3500

Point of Contact: AUSA Robert S. Cessar

In August 2017, the Justice Department created a new data analytics program, the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, to focus specifically on investigating and prosecuting opioid-related health care fraud.  Western Pennsylvania was designated as one of the original 12 districts based on high opioid addiction rates.  Since its creation, the Western Pennsylvania OFADU has been one of the national leaders in attacking opioid diversion by medical professionals.  


Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force

Federal Bureau of Investigation
3311 East Carson Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-432-4000

The Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force was established in 1992 as part of a national effort to address violent street gangs and drug-related violence. It is comprised of more than 1,500 local, state and federal investigators throughout the country that work to disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises. The local task force allows the FBI to assist partner agencies by sharing resources, manpower and gang intelligence and information. This also allows for federal prosecution of gangs and their membership, which achieves more severe sentences and penalties for the entire gang.

One of the key facets of a Safe Streets Task Force is the Enterprise Theory of Investigation (ETI). Combining short term, street level enforcement activity with such sophisticated techniques as consensual monitoring, financial analysis, and Title III wire intercepts investigations using ETI aim to root out and prosecute the entire organization, from the street level dealers up through the crew leaders and suppliers, to ultimately the gang’s command structure.  The ETI has proven time and again how effective federal racketeering, drug conspiracy, and firearms investigations can be, whether it is providing the incentive for witnesses to cooperate or imprisoning the organization leaders for decades.


Pittsburgh Financial and Electronic Crimes Task Force

United States Secret Service
Two Chatham Center – Suite 1610
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-281-7825

Point of Contact: Asst. Special Agent in Charge Dan Fisher

The Pittsburgh Financial and Electronic Crimes Task Force (PFECTF) brings together federal, state and local law enforcement assets in an effort to address economic and electronic crimes affecting the Western District of Pennsylvania. These law enforcement partners work together to build cases from the ground up, combining multiple local connected cases for presentation to the appropriate court for prosecution. The task force continually refocuses its attention on issues impacting our local communities, such as credit card fraud, bank account takeovers, business email compromise, and skimming. The PFECTF works as a communication hub allowing law enforcement partners to work more efficiently and effectively to share information on combatting financial and cybercrimes.


Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force

United States Marshals Service
Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force
700 Grant Street, Suite 2360
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Point of Contact: Call 412-422-GRAB(4722) or 412-644-6628

The Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency, collaborative law enforcement effort led by the U.S. Marshals Service that specializes in locating and apprehending violent felony fugitives in the 25 counties of Western Pennsylvania wanted on warrants with underlying charges of firearms, narcotics and crimes of violence.


Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Task Force

Federal Bureau of Investigation
3311 East Carson Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-432-4000

The Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Task Force is a proactive measure to address the increasing trends our area is currently seeing when it comes to bank robberies, kidnapping, murder for hire and homicides.  These violent crimes often times involve deadly weapons, drugs and drug trafficking.  The Task Force is led by FBI Pittsburgh and combines the expertise of federal, state and local law enforcement partners.

Updated February 22, 2023