Priority Open Recommendations: Department of Justice
| Report Type |
Reports and Testimonies |
| Report Date |
May 17, 2023 |
| Release Date |
May 17, 2023 |
| Report No. |
GAO-23-106484 |
Summary:
What GAO Found
In June 2022, GAO identified 10 priority recommendations for the Department of Justice (DOJ). Since then, DOJ has implemented three of those recommendations. In doing so, DOJ is able to assess how the data it obtains and uses supports its diversion control activities of controlled substances and prescription drugs, including opioids. Further, DOJ demonstrated that its risk assessment process for determining whether the Law Enforcement program is susceptible to significant improper payments is reasonable. DOJ also revised its assessment procedures to incorporate steps for coordinating with other federal agencies when assessing state agencies' cybersecurity. This step can help reduce the time and resources required by state officials in responding to duplicative assessment activities.
In May 2023, GAO identified six additional priority recommendation for DOJ, bringing the total number to 13. The 13 recommendations fall into the following areas:
Efforts to combat illicit opioid abuse
Federal prison system
FBI whistleblower retaliation complaints
Immigration courts
Cybersecurity
DOJ's continued attention to these issues could lead to significant improvements in government operations.
Why GAO Did This Study
Priority open recommendations are the GAO recommendations that warrant priority attention from heads of key departments or agencies because their implementation could save large amounts of money; improve congressional and/or executive branch decision-making on major issues; eliminate mismanagement, fraud, and abuse; or ensure that programs comply with laws and funds are legally spent, among other benefits. Since 2015, GAO has sent letters to selected agencies to highlight the importance of implementing such recommendations.
For more information, contact Charles M. Johnson, Jr. at (202) 512-8777 or johnsoncm@gao.gov.
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