NCJ Number
92418
Date Published
Unknown
Length
72 pages
Annotation
This Montana study examines the impact of natural resource development on the criminal justice systems of the communities where it occurs, using five case studies, and offers recommendations for dealing with such circumstances.
Abstract
Data and information for the study were derived from a literature review, case studies including site visits to five Montana and Idaho counties, personal interviews, and statistical reports. This study was prompted by concern in the Montana Board of Crime Control about reported changes in the level of criminal activity and lack of direction in criminal justice planning in communities experiencing natural resource development. As a whole, the case-study areas were found to exhibit similar problems, especially the three rapid growth settings. All criminal justice and social service personnel pointed to two problems: the declining tax base that forced staff reductions while workloads were increasing and an increase in family disturbances. In the five counties examined, the overall change in the incidence of serious felonies (Part I crimes) was small, with the 'boom' counties generally having crime rates well below the State average. It appears that a portion of the increase in reported crime in resource development communities results from the increased formalization of police practice. Traffic counts and vehicle accident levels showed a patterned increase generally coincident with population increases. District court caseloads increased in the three large-scale development counties. Recommendations for dealing with the problems associated with 'boom' areas address the issues confronted by law enforcement, the courts, and social service and correctional agencies. Tabular data are provided, and the appendixes contain a list of resources available for the study of communities impacted by rapid natural resource development. For the full report, see NCJ 92419.