NCJ Number
95615
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 48 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1984) Pages: 16-21
Date Published
1984
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study investigates the impact of Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA) funds on the criminal justice system of Lauderdale County, Ala.
Abstract
Eighty-two grants totaling $879,021 were awarded, and an additional $180,000 in Law Enforcement Education Program grants was provided. Funding in Lauderdale followed national patterns, with law enforcement receiving the greatest portion (69 percent) compared to corrections (24 percent) and the courts (7 percent). The grants can be grouped into three classifications according to general use: (1) grants awarded for purchasing basic equipment or enhancing the quality of personnel, (2) grants awarded for funding major programs, and (3) training grants for criminal justice personnel. The dollar value of the changes that have occurred in Lauderdale County as a result of the grants has not been assessed. However, this investment has clearly had an impact on the justice system. Criminal justice system employees are better trained and educated than they would have been without LEAA funding. This increased level of training will be maintained, although the level of education is likely to decline. The courts have been upgraded through a major reorganization and the addition of a full-time investigator in the district attorney's office. The law enforcement communications system has been upgraded, and laboratory analysis of evidence is readily available. Similar studies of LEAA's impact should be performed in other geographical areas. Six references are included.