NCJ Number
15424
Date Published
1971
Length
53 pages
Annotation
DISCUSSION OF THEORY THAT MORE SYMPATHETIC TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS CAN IMPROVE THEIR CHANCES OF REHABILITATION AND BETTER COMMUNICATION WITH OFFENDERS AND THE PUBLIC CAN IMPROVE THE POLICE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE OFFICIALS' IMAGE.
Abstract
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HUMANS IS VERY IMPORTANT BUT HARD TO CARRY OUT EFFECTIVELY FOR VARIOUS REASONS, INCLUDING LANGUAGE, VOCABULARY, AND CULTURAL DIFFERENCES. THE AUTHOR SAYS THAT HARSH, INTIMIDATING, AND HUMILIATING TREATMENT OF AN OFFENDER DURING THE JUDICIAL PROCESS IS LIKELY TO GIVE HIM A FEELING OF UNWORTHINESS AND TURN HIM STRONGLY AGAINST THE AUTHORITIES. THE SHOCK OF ARREST AND INCARCERATION, INTERROGATION - USUALLY ACCOMPANIED BY DEMANDS FOR CONFESSION - AND THE IMPERSONAL, CUT-ANDDRIED ATMOSPHERE OF PRELIMINARY HEARINGS AND TRIAL ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS ATTITUDE. POLITE, TACTFUL, AND MATTEROF-FACT BEHAVIOR BY THE POLICE IN DEALING WITH SUSPECTS, WITNESSES, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS MORE LIKELY TO PRODUCE COOPERATION THAN CRUDENESS AND ARROGANCE. A FRANK, MAN-TO-MAN APPROACH TO A SUSPECT CAN EVEN LEAD HIM TO CONFESS, THUS ENABLING HIM TO GIVE EXPRESSION TO HIS GUILT FEELINGS, AND THIS IN TURN CAN LEAD TO HIS REHABILITATION. --IN DUTCH