NCJ Number
144364
Date Published
1993
Length
29 pages
Annotation
The 1992 annual report of Pierce County's Office of the Prosecuting Attorney in Tacoma, Washington, reflects the county's progress with respect to victim services, the juvenile court, the family support division, and case management.
Abstract
The county integrated victim advocates with trial teams and computerized victim service management. Its investigative services unit continued to handle independent investigations of officer-involved shootings and potential corruption. The juvenile court experienced a significant growth in violent crime; twice as many juveniles were transferred to adult court in 1992 as were in 1991. The increased workload of the juvenile court was partially met with volunteer help from law students and paralegals. The misdemeanor unit experienced a 40-percent growth between 1990 and 1992 that seriously undermined the effectiveness of the unit's 12 deputies. With an increase in domestic violence, a process was initiated to restructure the handling of these cases and cooperate with other agencies to enhance victim protection. The family support division collected millions of dollars in child support payments. To improve case management, the county adopted a new computer system to handle the more than 10,000 active files. A detailed description of the organization and operation of Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's civil division, criminal divisions, and family support division is provided. Tables and figures