Federal prosecution of obscenity and child pornography cases should focus upon producers and interstate distributors. However, cases involving straight possession may warrant federal prosecution and production and distribution cases may be more appropriately prosecuted in state court. Moreover, many cases include both federal charges (such as distribution of pornography) and local charges (such as sexual abuse). Hence, cooperation between federal and local officers and prosecutors is strongly encouraged and can be highly productive in both federal and local efforts. See Fed. R. Cr. P. 6(e). The formation of multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional task forces is strongly encouraged.

[updated April 2000]