ALASKA - REPORT ON THE PUBLIC DEFENDER AGENCY - CRIMINAL COURTS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT

• NCJ Number: 39630
• Author(s): W R HIGHAM; P H GINSBERG
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 146 pages
• Contract Number(s): J-LEAA-043-72
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Corporate Author: American University
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

REPORT, DATED OCTOBER 1974, OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO AID IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OPTIMUM ADMINISTRATIVE AND INFORMATIONAL PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING PUBLIC DEFENDER OPERATIONS.

Abstract

TWO PARTICULAR ISSUES WERE ADDRESSED BY THE CONSULTANT TEAM: THE APPROPRIATE LOCATION FOR THE ALASKA PUBLIC DEFENDER AGENCY WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT AND THE APPROPRIATE BUDGETARY RATIOS OF PROSECUTORS AND PUBLICLY FINANCED CRIMINAL DEFENDERS. THE ALASKA PUBLIC DEFENDER AGENCY IS A STATEWIDE AGENCY, WITH OFFICES IN SIX CITIES, SERVING OVER 300,000 PEOPLE. IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE AGENCY REMAIN WITHIN THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE FOR THE PRESENT. AT SOME FUTURE TIME, THE STATE MAY FIND THAT THE AGENCY SHOULD BE REESTABLISHED AS A PUBLIC CORPORATION. THE AGENCY IS UNDERSTAFFED, UNDERFUNDED, AND LACKING IN LIBRARIES AND EQUIPMENT. IT IS FURTHER NOTED AS BEING DEFICIENT IN TERMS OF STAFFING AND BUDGET IN COMPARISON TO THE PROSECUTION. APPENDIXES CONTAIN FORMS, BUDGET INFORMATION, AND SAMPLE TRAINING PROGRAMS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)...KAP