NCJ Number
42437
Date Published
1976
Length
48 pages
Annotation
THIS REPORT IS THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF STUDIES EXPLORING SEVERAL IMPACTS OF THE COMMUNITY ARBITRATION PROGRAM, WHICH IS A NEW SYSTEM OF JUVENILE INTAKE, THROUGH WHICH ARRESTED YOUTH ARE DIVERTED FROM THE COURTS.
Abstract
THE ARBITRATION PROGRAM INCLUDES THE USE OF CITATIONS WHEN MISDEMEANANT YOUTH ARE ARRESTED AND INCLUDES A FORMAL ARBITRATION SESSION BETWEEN THE VICTIM AND THE YOUTH. UNDER THE ARBITRATION PROGRAM, THE TIME FROM THE ARREST TO THE INTAKE HEARING HAS BEEN REDUCED FROM FORTY-FIVE DAYS TO SEVEN DAYS. THE INTAKE DECISION IS MADE BY A LAWYER. THE PROGRAM EMPHASIZES THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE YOUTH FOR HIS ACTIONS, AND THE NEED FOR HIM TO REPAIR ANY DAMAGES CAUSED BY HIS BEHAVIOR IS EMPHASIZED. IN SOME CASES THE OFFENDER IS ASKED TO DO WORK ASSIGNMENTS OR ATTEND SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS. THE IMPACTS OF THIS PROGRAM ON THE WORK OF THE POLICE ARE THE CONCERNS OF THIS PARTICULAR STUDY. POLICE ADMINISTRATORS AND PATROLMEN INDICATED THE PROGRAM HAS SAVED THEM TIME AND MONEY. THERE IS EVIDENCE OF A LESSENING OF STRAIN ON THE POLICE IN DEALING WITH THE PROBLEMS OF SOME COMPLAINANTS. THERE HAS BEEN A MODERATE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF YOUTH ARRESTED. THE SAVINGS IN POLICE TIME AND MONEY HAVE BEEN REALLOCATED TO OTHER TYPES OF POLICE WORK, PRINCIPALLY PREVENTIVE PATROL WORK. THE TYPICAL PERSON REFERRED TO THE PROGRAM BY POLICE IS BLACK, BETWEEN THE AGES OF 11 AND 16, AND ARRESTED FOR CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY.