NCJ Number
69879
Date Published
1968
Length
78 pages
Annotation
A progress report is given on the work of the Massachusetts Governor's Committee on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice for the period April 1, 1967, through March 31, 1968.
Abstract
The Governor's Committee on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice was created in 1966 to study the problems and needs of the Massachusetts criminal justice system and improve information exchange, program coordination, and personnel performance. The Committee, chaired by the Attorney General of Massachusetts, is composed primarily of public officials, most of whom are heads of State criminal justice departments. The initial work of the Committee resulted in the passage of seven key law enforcement bills. As of March 31, the termination date of the project, the Committee has submitted four reports to the Governor and members of the General Court, completed two reports to the Governor in draft form, and compiled thirteen background papers for internal use by the Committee. The staff is currently engaged in about 50 other studies. Background papers have covered the State judicial system, the State and county correctional systems, work release, probation, parole, juvenile programs, organized crime, firearms control, auto theft, and narcotics and drug abuse. Reports submitted to the Governor deal with crime in the State, crime laboratories in the State, law enforcement, and revision of the Massachusetts criminal code. The most important work underway is the design of a comprehensive State criminal justice plan which will provide the foundation for future Committee work. The major problems faced by the Committee have been inadequate funds and a shortage in staff. The Committee is presently preparing for passage of the National Law Enforcement Assistance Act, which is expected to provide a portion of the funds needed to continue the work of criminal justice planning in Massachusetts. The appendixes contain lists of Committee members, staff, and cooperating or participating agencies, along with a final financial report.