NCJ Number
167875
Date Published
1997
Length
239 pages
Annotation
This report describes the organization and operation of the Illinois criminal and juvenile justice systems, discusses statewide and regional trends in crime and the processing of offenders through 1995, and presents significant criminal and juvenile justice issues that have emerged in the past decade.
Abstract
The report notes that Illinois is experiencing a decrease in violence after large increases in the late 1980's and early 1990's. However, juvenile drug use has recently increased after previous declines. Other problems are criminal street gangs and the impact of crack cocaine and violence. The most visible change in the State's approach to crime control has been the emergence of community policing. Innovations in other parts of the justice system include increased pretrial services, specialized drug courts, and shock incarceration programs for nonviolent younger offenders. Research has also suggested new strategies for reducing juvenile violence by focusing on reducing risk factors and enhancing protective factors. Figures; maps; reference notes; and appended glossary, discussion of legislation, and findings of law enforcement surveys