NCJ Number
249261
Date Published
November 2015
Length
45 pages
Annotation
Specifically, the study examined whether selected changes in policing, adult incarceration, juvenile detention, and waivers of juveniles to adult court reduced juvenile violence in a sample of large U.S. cities from 1994 to 2000. The study controlled for changes in a variety of community characteristics. The study found indications that police resources and strategies contributed to reduced violence by juveniles during the 1990s, but there was little or no evidence of beneficial effects from incarceration of juveniles with adults, the detention of juveniles, and waivers of juveniles to adult court. The study was based on a sample of 97 cities with populations of 100,000 or more during the 1990s. The cities were among a national sample of jurisdictions randomly selected for an evaluation of the Federal Community Oriented Policing Services Program (the COPS program), which was conducted between 1995 and 2000. An examination of community policing strategies was part of the study. The arrest rates of juveniles for various types of serious violent crimes as reported by Uniform Crime Reports were used as the measure for violence by juveniles. 4 tables, 25 references, and appended list of study cities and community policing tactics and community input scale items
Abstract
The grants funded three projects. One was intended to improve the transitioning of individuals between prisons, jails, or juvenile detention facilities and the community. A second project was designed to increase access to mental health and other treatment services for offenders with mental illness or co-occurring mental health and substance-use disorders. The goal of a third project was to improve the treatment options for adult offenders during periods of incarceration, parole, or court-ordered supervision after release into the community. The objective of the audit was to determine whether reimbursements claimed for costs under the awards were allowable; supported; and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, and the terms and conditions of the awards. Program performance was also evaluated in terms of meeting award goals and objectives, as well as achievements. Overall, the audit determined that Beaver County did not fully comply with the grant requirements examined. In addition to the reported questioned costs totaling $96,393, the audit found weaknesses in internal controls for award financial management. Although the audit found that grant-funded activities were consistent with each grant's objectives, statistical information on program performance was not always accurate or supported. Eleven recommendations target internal accounting and financial controls, statistical accuracy, and remedies for unallowed expenditures. Appendixes address objective, scope, and methodology; schedule of dollar-related findings; Beaver County's response to the audit report; Office of Justice Programs response to the report; and summary of actions necessary to close the report.