NCJ Number
49556
Date Published
1978
Length
11 pages
Annotation
SURVEYS OF THE ATTITUDES OF CITIZENS AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM OFFICIALS TOWARD RESTITUTION ARE REPORTED.
Abstract
THE FIRST SURVEY INVOLVED A SAMPLE OF 705 POLICE OFFICERS, SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE STUDENTS, MEMBERS OF A WOMEN'S COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATION, AND JUVENILE AND ADULT PROBATION AND PAROLE OFFICERS. THE RESPONSE RATE WAS 60.5 PERCENT. ALL RESPONDENT GROUPS EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR THE CONCEPT OF CREATIVE RESTITUTION -- THE PROCESS OF HELPING OFFENDERS MAKE AMENDS TO THEIR VICTIMS. THE DEGREE OF SUPPORT WAS LOWER FOR POLICE THAN FOR OTHER GROUPS. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF POLICE, THE RESPONDENTS ALSO SUPPORTED THE CONCEPT OF REHABILITATION. PEOPLE WHO SUPPORTED TRADITIONAL CONCEPTS OF PUNISHMENT (OTHER THAN REHABILITATION) ALSO SUPPORTED THE CONCEPT OF RESTITUTION, BUT LESS STRONGLY THAN PEOPLE HOLDING FAVORABLE ATTITUDES TOWARD REHABILITATION. A SECOND SURVEY CONTACTED 250 MEMBERS OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S LEGAL COMMUNITY (JUDGES, SOLICITORS, PRACTICING ATTORNEYS). A 38-PERCENT RESPONSE RATE WAS OBTAINED. THIS SURVEY ALSO FOUND STRONG SUPPORT FOR RESTITUTION. MOST (89 PERCENT) OF THE RESPONDENTS FELT THAT RESTITUTION PROGRAMS WERE OF POTENTIAL VALUE IN DEALING WITH CRIMINAL OFFENDERS. MOST RESPONDENTS FELT THAT OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY, AUTO THEFT, SHOPLIFTING, DRUNK DRIVING, AND INCOME TAX EVASION WERE APPROPRIATE FOR RESTITUTION. THE SAMPLE WAS UNDECIDED ABOUT BURGLARY AND FELT THAT OFFENSES AGAINST THE PERSON (RAPE, ARMED ROBBERY) WERE INAPPROPRIATE FOR RESTITUTION. IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS ARE DISCUSSED. TABULAR DATA AND NOTES ARE INCLUDED. (LKM)