Interagency law efforts nab 35K bad guys

WASHINGTON, July 9 (UPI) -- More than 35,000 fugitives were arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service working with federal, state and local agencies, the service's director said Thursday.

The interagency cooperative effort -- Operation FALCON (Federal and Local Cops Organized Nationally) -- combined resources of 42 federal agencies, 209 state agencies and 1,973 local sheriffs' and police departments, U.S. Marshals Service Director John F. Clark said in a news release.

In addition to the 35,190 fugitives arrested, the operation was responsible for clearing 47,418 warrants, Clark said. Since its implementation in 2005, Operation FALCON has made 91,086 arrests and cleared 117,874 warrants.

As previous operations, Operation Falcon 2009's emphasis was on the capture of violent offenders, gang members and sex offenders. Nationwide, the monthlong operation arrested 433 persons wanted for murder, 900 gang members and 2,356 sex offenders, Clark said.

"I continue to be impressed with the remarkable results that can be achieved when all of law enforcement comes together," Clark said. "What began five years ago as a promising concept has become the most effective fugitive apprehension effort in the long history of the U.S. marshals."