NCJ Number
50441
Date Published
1978
Length
348 pages
Annotation
THE COMMUNITY ALLIANCE, COMPOSED OF CITIZENS AND PROFESSIONALS, OFFERS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALL FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. CRIMINAL JUSTICE PLANNING IN MAINE IS CONTROLLED BY ITS CITIZENS.
Abstract
THE MATERIAL IN THIS REPORT IS DIVIDED INTO SECTIONS COVERING COMMUNITY CRIME PREVENTION, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, POLICE SERVICES, THE COURT SYSTEM, AND CORRECTIONS. EACH SECTION INCLUDES ITS OWN TABLE OF CONTENTS, INTRODUCTION, LIST OF GOALS, DISCUSSION OF STANDARDS FOR VARIOUS SEGMENTS OF THE SYSTEM, IMPLEMENTATION METHODS, AND BIBLIOGRAPHY. IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IS ESSENTIAL TO CRIME PREVENTION. COMMUNITY ISSUES ADDRESSED INVOLVE RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES, EDUCATIONAL POLICY, RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, AND INTEGRITY IN GOVERNMENT. PROGRAMS FOR THE REDUCTION OF CRIMINAL OPPORTUNITY ARE DISCUSSED, AND THE NEED FOR STATE AND LOCAL MANAGEMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS AND FUNDING IS CONSIDERED. GOALS OUTLINED FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INCLUDE MINIMIZATION OF JUVENILE CONTACT WITH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, PROVISION OF EFFECTIVE CORRECTIONAL REHABILITATIVE AND SOCIAL SERVICE CARE FOR JUVENILES DEEMPHASIZING INSTITUTIONALIZATION, AND ESTABLISHMENT OF MORE DIVERSIONARY ALTERNATIVES AND INCREASED TRAINING FOR PROFESSIONALS WORKING WITH YOUTH. THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THAT POLICE DEPARTMENTS UTILIZE MODERN, EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES, DEVELOP THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF POLICE OPERATION, MAINTAIN HIGH QUALITY OFFICERS IN THE PAROLE AREAS, AND STRENGTHEN COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND PERSONNEL POLICY. ALL ASPECTS OF THE COURTS ARE CONSIDERED, AND THE REPORT RECOMMENDS INCREASED PROFESSIONALISM AMONG COURT PERSONNEL, ADEQUATE SUPPORT STAFF AND PHYSICAL FACILITIES, AND ENDORSEMENT OF CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR JUDICIAL, PROSECUTORIAL, AND DEFENSE STAFFS. MANY RECOMMENDATIONS ARE AIMED AT REPLACING INFORMAL PROCEDURES USED IN SCREENING, DIVERSION, AND PLEA BARGAINING TO INSURE EQUITABLE DISCRETIONARY DECISIONS. RECOMMENDATIONS ARE DIRECTED ALSO TOWARD ELIMINATING COURT DELAY AND MAKING COURT INFORMATION MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. GOALS SUGGESTED FOR CORRECTIONS CONCERN PROVISION OF A WIDER RANGE OF SERVICES TO OFFENDERS, THE DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENTATION, AND MONITORING OF A COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY-BASED SYSTEM OF ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION, AND PROVISION OF A MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE PROBATION FUNCTION. (DAG)