NCJ Number
87816
Date Published
1982
Length
218 pages
Annotation
Recommendations suggest improvements for the Monroe County, Fla., criminal justice system based on data and analysis dealing with arrest, pretrial release, judicial processing, a jail inmate profile, and inmate detention costs.
Abstract
The primary objective of the Local Correctional Assistance Project is to develop a process which counties can use to generate and analyze the type of systemwide data required to make decisions regarding local correctional operations. This report presents the findings and analysis from the project's operations in Monroe County. From the research data obtained, recommendations are offered for discussion by the Monroe County Corrections Advisory Board, which proposes policy for local corrections operations. One recommendation advises that due to the high dismissal rate and the nature of the inmate population, police agencies should review and coordinate arrest policies in conjunction with the State attorney. Further, because of the significant number and type of persons not released prior to trial as well as the lack of nonfinancial release alternatives, the Corrections Advisory Board should reassess the county's pretrial release policies. Due to the significant delay in the processing of defendants through the criminal justice system, particularly incarcerated defendants, the advisory board should monitor the adherence of all parties to the time limitation standards of the 16th judicial circuit order. Other recomendations are that (1) the State attorney establish a case screening unit to expedite the formal charging decision, (2) additional correctional staff be provided to supervise inmates, and (3) the advisory board meet at least monthly to review and discuss identified problems and areas of concern. Appended are an assessment of the county criminal justice system questions and information, guidelines for the preparation of a jail population management plan, a summary of a central intake program, and the 16th judicial circuit executive order B2-1. Extensive tabular data are provided.