LASD Counterfeit and Piracy Enforcement Project

This program is funded under both the Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program (Byrne Competitive Program) and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. Authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), the Byrne Competitive Program helps local communities improve the capacity of state and local justice systems and provides for national support efforts including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address local needs. The JAG Program (42 U.S.C. 3751(a)) is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, and JAG funds support all components of the criminal justice system. The JAG Program authorization also states that 'the Attorney General may reserve not more than 5 percent, to be granted to 1 or more States or units of local government, for 1 or more of the purposes specified in section 3751 of this title, pursuant to his determination that the same is necessary'(1) to combat, address, or otherwise respond to precipitous or extraordinary increases in crime, or in a type or types of crime' (42 U.S.C. 3756).

The Intellectual Property Enforcement, Training, and Technical Assistance Program is designed to provide national support and improve the capacity of state and local criminal justice systems to address intellectual property criminal enforcement, including prosecution, prevention, training, and technical assistance.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD), through its 'Counterfeit and Piracy Enforcement (CAPE) team' will greatly enhance LASD's ability to track, identify, monitor, investigate and share intelligence regarding suspects who counterfeit and pirate luxury goods and recorded material thus undermining the legitimate retail sector in Los Angeles County. Any acts or persons identified as being involved in Intellectual Property Crimes will be thoroughly investigated by CAPE and all subsequent violations will be prosecuted. CAPE will also utilize major brand owners' investigators as well as private investigative firms to assist investigators with the evaluation of products and training. CAPE will: 1) raise citizen awareness; 2) reduce counterfeit and piracy; and 3) forge law enforcement-community partnerships and increase public awareness about the health and/or safety risk counterfeited and pirated products pose.

CA/NCF