NCJ Number
55265
Date Published
1977
Length
31 pages
Annotation
PUBLIC INPUT THE 1977 CRIMINAL JUSTICE PLAN FOR ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA., IS SUMMARIZED; CONCERNS WERE CRIME PREVENTION, VICTIM ASSISTANCE, FACILITIES AND SERVICES FOR JUVENILES AND ADULTS, POLICE, AND COURTS.
Abstract
THE INFORMATION WAS OBTAINED BY THE ALLEGHENY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL IN 1976 THROUGH A SERIES OF PUBLIC MEETINGS AND HEARINGS, A SURVEY USING 30,000 QUESTIONNAIRES DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, AND A MEETING WITH INMATES OF THE STATE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION AT PITTSBURGH ABOUT CRIME CAUSES AND PREVENTION. IN THE AREA OF CRIME PREVENTION, THE CONCEPT OF NEIGHBORHOOD COHESIVENESS IS EMPHASIZED. JOB TRAINING AND MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT WERE ALSO DEEMED NECESSARY COMPONENTS OF A CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAM. SELF-HELP PROGRAMS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR ABUSIVE PARENTS, AND GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION IS URGED. IN THE AREA OF VICTIM ASSISTANCE, A SEXUAL ASSAULT AND TREATMENT CENTER IS NEEDED TO ATTEND TO THE MEDICAL NEEDS OF VICTIMS AND SPECIAL TRAINING FOR MEDICAL PERSONNEL IS URGED. IN THE AREA OF JUVENILE FACILITIES, MORE GROUP HOMES, FOSTER HOMES, AND DAY TREATMENT HOMES SHOULD BE AVAILABLE AS SENTENCING ALTERNATIVES. ALCOHOL AND DRUG COUNSELING AND AID TO THE MENTALLY DISABLED YOUTH ARE RECOMMENDED. REGARDING ADULT FACILITIES, IT IS FELT THAT MORE VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS ARE NEEDED AS IS FAMILY COUNSELING. SERVICES DESIGNED TO LINK THE OFFENDER TO THE COMMUNITY ARE IMPERATIVE. POLICE OFFICERS NEED CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINING PROGRAMS. WAYS OF IMPROVING POLICE-COMMUNITY RELATIONS SHOULD BE DEVELOPED, AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS NEED TO BE IMPROVED; THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED PARTIALLY THROUGH THE PURCHASE OF NEWER EQUIPMENT. FINALLY, ATTENTION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE COURTS. PROBLEMS IN COURT ADMINISTRATION, PROSECUTION, AND DEFENSE ARE DISCUSSED. THE SURVEY INSTRUMENT AND A LIST OF PARTICIPANTS IN MEETINGS AND HEARINGS ARE APPENDED. (MLC)