Office of Justice Programs Weekly News Brief

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released today by Department of Justice:

OJP Welcomes Acting AAG Leary, Bids Farewell to AAG Robinson  – Mary Lou Leary, the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, was designated Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) on Thursday, March 1, when Assistant Attorney General Laurie Robinson departed after serving nearly three years in the position.  AAG Robinson had previously served as OJP's AAG from 1993 to 2000 during the Clinton Administration.

Acting AAG Speaks Out Against Identity Theft – In remarks at an Identity Theft Assistance Center event at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, March 7, Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary Lou Leary, Office of Justice Programs, said, "Our partnerships are expanding almost daily to states, communities and organizations across the country. The challenges posed by identity theft are many and complex, and it will take us all working together to reduce the toll it takes on victims and their families."

NIJ Issues Body Armor Statement – On Wednesday, March 7, the Justice Department's National Institute of Justice (NIJ) released a statement in response to recent reports on a used ballistic vest that was independently tested and reportedly was subsequently penetrated by a .44 caliber round.  The statement said, "The Department of Justice (DOJ) is committed to the health and safety of all law enforcement officers and urges all officers to continue wearing their protective vests. DOJ also encourages public safety officers to follow body armor manufacturer 'wear and care' instructions, and to refrain from storing armor in environments in which it may be exposed to extreme heat or cold." To view the statement, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-institute-of-justice-statement-on-body-armor-141789093.html.

OVC Releases Newsletter, Focuses on Elder Abuse – The Office for Victims of Crime recently released its quarterly newsletter, which strongly focuses on elder abuse. The newsletter includes an article highlighting Mickey Rooney, a Hollywood legend, who encountered and survived elder abuse by family members. http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/news/pdf/OVC_NPU_Feb_2012.pdf

SOURCE Department of Justice