NCJ Number
54033
Journal
Journal of Safety Research Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: (SUMMER 1978) Pages: 50-57
Date Published
1978
Length
8 pages
Annotation
THIS PAPER DISCUSSES THE BACKGROUND OF THE ALCOHOL SAFETY ACTION PROGRAM (ASAP) COURT SYSTEM FOR DRINKING DRIVERS, DESCRIBES THE SYSTEM, AND ASSESSES ITS EFFECTIVENESS FROM 1970-1978.
Abstract
THE MISDEMEANOR COURTS CHARGED WITH ENFORCING DRUNKEN DRIVING LAWS HAVE LONG BEEN PLAGUED WITH BACKLOGS AND DELAYS AND HAVE BEEN CRITICIZED FOR THEIR LENIENCY TOWARD INTOXICATED DRIVERS. AS A RESULT, ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUDICATION BY LICENSING AGENCIES HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR. IN 1970, ASAP WAS ESTABLISHED BY THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION USING FEDERAL FUNDS. ALTHOUGH ASAP WAS BASED ON A TRADITIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPROACH TO DRUNKEN DRIVING AND DEDICATED THE LARGEST PROPORTION OF ITS FUNDS TO THE POLICE, ITS BASIC THEORY WAS THE 'SYSTEMS APPROACH' INVOLVING PROSECUTORS, JUDGES, PROBATION OFFICERS, TREATMENT PERSONNEL, AND EVALUATORS, ETC, AND PLACED A GREATER RELIANCE ON THE COURTS. COURTS WERE SUPPLIED WITH MORE TECHNICAL, CONCEPTUAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. ASAP HELPED THE COURTS DESIGN NEW DISPOSITION SYSTEMS FOR DRUNKEN DRIVERS IN 35 STATES. THE ASAP COURTS SYSTEMS ARE CHARACTERIZED BY A TENDENCY TO MINIMIZE TRIALS AND USE THE THREAT OF SANCTIONS TO COERCE OFFENDERS' ATTENDANCE AT ALCOHOL TREATMENT AGENCIES. THE ASAP SYSTEM DEPENDS ON AN ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT TO MONITOR COOPERATION AMONG CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES. ALTHOUGH ASAP HAS NOT YET DEMONSTRATED EFFECTIVENESS AT REDUCING ALCOHOL-RELATED TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES, IT HAS HAD A SIGNIFICANT POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE COURT SYSTEMS' CONCEPTIONS OF REHABILITATION-EDUCATION ALTERNATIVES FOR THESE OFFENDERS AND MANAGED REFERRAL SYSTEMS. COURT BACKLOGS HAVE DECREASED AND COURT COSTS FOR THESE TYPES OF CASES HAVE ALSO DROPPED. REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (DAG)