NCJ Number
79757
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Richard Velde, Administrator of LEAA, discusses the evolution of LEAA, focusing on the legislative, fiscal, and organizational development of the agency. The presentation was given to LEAA personnel.
Abstract
Introductory speakers describe LEAA's role as that of providing leadership in the criminal justice field, as well as taking charge of channeling funds to State and local governments to combat crime and improve the criminal justice system. Velde mentions that LEAA's predecessor, the Office of Law Enforcement Assistance (OLEA), was initiated under the Johnson administration in 1965 and was funded for 3 years, during which time the office completed 400 projects. Criticism of OLEA led future planners to emphasize the development of projects with a commonsense flavor. When LEAA was established, Congress intended it to be a State block grant program which assisted local police, corrections, and courts. The program was extended in 1970 for 2 years, with Congress deciding to keep the block grant concept, with an emphasis on juvenile delinquency prevention and evaluation. LEAA has grown from 70 employees in 1969 to 700 at present. Major reorganizations have occurred under each new LEAA administrator, reflecting a constant element of change in the agency. In 1969 the budget for LEAA was $60 million; in 1976 it rose to $770 million. Although the budget has grown, LEAA appropriations represent only about 5 percent of what State and local governments spend on criminal justice operations.