NCJ Number
39560
Date Published
1976
Length
106 pages
Annotation
REPORT OF A 1976 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT TO IDENTIFY MAJOR OPERATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROBLEMS AND TO RECOMMEND THEIR SOLUTIONS SO THAT THE ATTORNEY COULD BETTER EMPLOY CURRENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN HIS OFFICE.
Abstract
IN ORDER TO ACCOMPLISH PROJECT GOALS, TWO SITE VISITS WERE MADE OF THE COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. DURING THE SECOND VISIT, THE TECHNICAL-ASSISTANCE TEAM PROVIDED FUNCTIONAL AND SPACE PLANNING ASSISTANCE. DURING THE COURSE OF THE ONSITE VISITS, TEAM MEMBERS ALSO INTERVIEWED THE COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY, MEMBERS OF HIS STAFF, JUDGES, POLICE OFFICERS, AND DEFENSE ATTORNEYS. THE FOLLOWING ARE INCLUDED AMONG RECOMMENDATIONS MADE FROM THE STUDY: A TARGET DATE FOR PRESENTING CASES TO THE GRAND JURY SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED, A SMOOTHER PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO DISCOVERY MOTIONS SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED, AND CASE FILES SHOULD BE COMPLETED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. OTHER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ALSO ARE SUGGESTED: INSURE THAT THE THREE TRIAL TEAMS HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL WORK LOADS, DEVELOP A UNIFORM PLEA NEGOTIATION POLICY, AND DRAW A FORMAL ORGANIZATION CHART. ADDITIONALLY, THE TEXT INCLUDES EXPLANATIONS FOR AN EXTENSIVE LIST OF MORE PARTICULAR RECOMMENDATIONS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)...KAP