NCJ Number
51073
Date Published
1978
Length
14 pages
Annotation
THE CRIME COMMISSION'S FAITH IN TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE CRIME IS CALLED MISPLACED. THE SMALL ROLE THAT PATROL RESPONSE TIME PLAYS IN CRIME DETERRENCE COMPARED TO THE LARGE ROLE COURT DECISIONS PLAY IS EXAMINED.
Abstract
REVIEW OF COMPUTER-AIDED POLICE PATROL ALLOCATION PROGRAMS IN 10 CITIES FINDS THAT ONLY 2 OF THESE CITIES HAVE CONTINUED TO USE THIS EXPENSIVE TECHNOLOGY. YET, CONSULTANTS, COMPUTER COMPANIES, AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONTINUE TO TOUT TECHNOLOGY AS AN IMPORTANT TOOL IN THE 'WAR ON CRIME.' CRIME IS CALLED A FUNCTION OF SOCIAL CONDITIONS, THE CERTAINTY OF PUNISHMENT, AND DECISIONS MADE AT EVERY STEP OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESS. SINCE NO MORE THAN 20 PERCENT OF ALL REPORTED CRIMES RESULT IN CONVICTION, EVEN IF RESPONSE TIME COULD BE IMPROVED SO THAT ARREST RATES INCREASED 50 PERCENT (WHICH IS UNLIKELY), THE RISK OF CONVICTION WOULD ONLY INCREASE FROM 1 IN 5 TO 3 IN 10. IT IS DOUBTED THAT THIS WOULD HAVE STRONG DETERRENT EFFECT. IT IS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT MANY POLICE DEPARTMENTS ALREADY HAVE EXCELLENT RESPONSE TIMES WITHOUT SOPHISTICATED ALLOCATION SCHEMES. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT REFORM EFFORTS BE FOCUSED ON SOCIAL CONDITIONS, DECISIONS MADE WITHIN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, AND ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN LOWER RECIDIVISM RATES. NOTES AND REFERENCES ARE APPENDED. (GLR)