NCJ Number
48861
Date Published
1978
Length
18 pages
Annotation
AN OVERVIEW IS PRESENTED OF THE ROLE PLAYED BY VIRGINIA'S STATE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PLANNING AGENCY IN DIRECTING AND COORDINATING THE STATE'S CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACTIVITIES.
Abstract
VIRGINIA IS UNLIKE MANY STATES IN THAT A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION (TWO-THIRDS) OF THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CORRECTIONS ACTIVITIES OF SHERIFFS AND ACTIVITIES OF PROSECUTORS IS PROVIDED BY THE STATE. VIRGINIA HAS A SINGLE STATE CORRECTIONS AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR JUVENILE AND ADULT CORRECTIONS, PROBATION, AND PAROLE. THE STATE'S COURT SYSTEM HAS BEEN UNIFIED AND PLACED UNDER THE MANAGEMENT CONTROL OF THE STATE SUPREME COURT AND ITS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY. IN 1972, VIRGINIA INTRODUCED A CABINET SYSTEM AIMED AT BRINGING THE GROWING BUREAUCRACY UNDER BETTER CONTROL AND INCREASING STATE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY. IN 1976, WITHIN THE NEW CABINET STRUCTURE, A SECRETARY OF PUBLIC SAFETY WAS ESTABLISHED AND A NEW PROGRAM BUDGET STRUCTURE WAS INTRODUCED. THE STATE PLANNING AGENCY HAD LONG BEEN INVOLVED IN PROVIDING PLANNING AND ANALYSIS EXPERTISE TO THE VARIOUS AGENCIES WITH CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESPONSIBILITIES. WHEN THE SECRETARY OF PUBLIC SAFETY WAS ESTABLISHED, THE PLANNING AGENCY BECAME THE SECRETARY'S EXECUTIVE STAFF, HAVING ALREADY DEVELOPED ITS OWN PLANNING, COORDINATION, AND BUDGETING CAPABILITIES. THE PLANNING AGENCY CAPITALIZED ON ITS EXPERIENCE AND REPUTATION IN DEVISING A BUDGET PROCESS FOR THE SECRETARIAT. THE PLANNING AGENCY'S ROLE AS STAFF TO THE SECRETARY EVOLVED TO ENCOMPASS ACTIVITIES OTHER THAN BUDGETING, E.G., DEVELOPMENT OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM, INITIATION OF A COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROCESS FOR THE STATE CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM, AND DEVELOPMENT OF MORE ACCURATE METHODS FOR PROJECTING INMATE POPULATIONS. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION DELINEATES THE AUTHORITY OF THE PLANNING AGENCY AND THE SECRETARY OF PUBLIC SAFETY. (LKM)