NCJ Number
82886
Date Published
1982
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Focusing on the efforts of police, prosecutors, and the courts, this progress report discusses the efforts of career criminal programs in New York City and New York State.
Abstract
A number of studies have demonstrated that the incarceration of career criminals offers the best hope of reducing the amount of serious crime. New York City police and prosecutors have implemented these findings by vigorous action against career criminals with notable success. These are only pilot efforts, and they must be expanded. New York has encouraged such programs by providing initial sums, monitoring results, and increasing support for successful efforts. If the funds for the Major Violent Felony Offender Prosecution Program and the Transit Authority Strike Force are withheld, it will be a crippling blow to the State's most effective anticrime program. It is also important that effective police and prosecutorial efforts are not negated by failures in the courtroom. Bail jumping must be treated as a serious offense, and consecutive sentences must be awarded for consecutive crimes. Prosecutors must be given more time to prepare serious cases. Information resources must also be upgraded so that repeat offenders can be tracked through the criminal justice system. Sentencing laws must also be reformed to ensure that career criminals receive appropriate sanctions. Reference notes are appended.