NCJ Number
195147
Date Published
February 2002
Length
45 pages
Annotation
This article describes the proceedings of the seminar Effective Administration of the Police and the Prosecution in Criminal Justice held from January 15 to February 14, 2002.
Abstract
During the five-week period, the participants examined measures to improve police systems and enhance methods of case screening by prosecutors; looked at means of facilitating better cooperation between police and prosecutors; and developed effective and practical solutions to emerging problems in the investigatory and prosecutorial stages of the criminal justice process. Police systems of the world fall in to three broad categories: (1) centralized or national police systems; (2) semi-centralized (dual control) police systems; and (3) decentralized police systems. There are a number of problems common to all police systems, including budgetary constraints, lack of training, lack of cooperation, corruption, arbitrary external interference, and lack of personnel. Some of the measures to address these problems are giving special attention to sufficient and sustainable budgets for police agencies; putting in place structural safeguards to ensure the exercise of police functions is not interfered with; and establishing codes of conduct emphasizing professional ethical standards. The problems in cooperation between the police and prosecutors include conflicting views over case disposition, lack of shared common goals, lack of objectivity, and lack of discretion in police investigations. Measures addressing these problems include developing legal provisions to clearly define the role of prosecutors and the police, and delegating responsibilities to simplify and speed up the handling of criminal proceedings. The problems facing prosecutors in case screening include lack of knowledge, abuse of power, political influence, and lack of budget. The problems faced by the police in case screening are lack of manpower and budget, inadequate knowledge, lack of coordination, political influence, and abuse of power. Recommendations to improve case screening include sufficient budget for the police and prosecution, the independence of prosecution, and the adoption of a variety of proceedings other than trials.