NCJ Number
88097
Date Published
1983
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Major crime in New York City declined in 1982 from the previous year, but the overall level of crime remains intolerably high. Recommendations to reduce the crime rate are mentioned.
Abstract
Some criminal behavior is extremely vicious, as shown by two series of robberies by gangs. The drop in crime probably resulted from intensive efforts by police and prosecutors to apprehend and convict career criminals who perpetrate robberies, burglaries, and assaults on a regular basis. These efforts have resulted in a significant increase in the numbers of felony indictments and commitments to prison. However, court backlogs continued to grow during 1982, and proposed reforms of sentencing, bail, and jury selection were not adopted. Instead, the courts implemented a system of judge rotation, which may have helped increase the backlogs. Furthermore, probation is so overloaded with cases that almost no supervision of offenders exists. The State and city corrections systems are both swamped. Major efforts have been required to obtain sites for new facilities. Among proposals to increase future police strength is the formation of a Police Corps recruited in a manner similar to that for the Reserve Officer Training Corps. Other needs are major reforms of sentencing, jury selection, and bail, and the establishment or expansion of such sanctions as intensive supervision probation, community service sentencing, and victim restitution. In December 1982, the Citizens Crime Commission joined with several other agencies to form the New York State Law Enforcement Council. The council will urge many major criminal justice reforms. Data tables and 22 references are provided.