This manual is intended to assist federal attorneys in the preparation and litigation of cases involving the civil provisions of the Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organization Act, 18 U.S.C. ¤¤ 1961-1968. Federal attorneys are encouraged to contact the Organized Crime and Racketeering Section of the United States Department of Justice (ÒOCRSÓ) early in the preparation of their case for advice and assistance. All Government civil RICO complaints, RICO Civil Investigative Demands and all proposed settlements of Government civil RICO suits must be submitted, with a supporting prosecution memorandum, to OCRS for review and approval before being issued or filed with the court. The submission should be approved by the Government attorneyÕs office before being submitted to OCRS. Due to the volume of submissions received by OCRS, Government attorneys should submit the proposal three weeks prior to the date final approval is needed.