NCJ Number
82395
Date Published
1981
Length
156 pages
Annotation
Proceedings from a workshop on the relationship of the police to criminal policy in West Germany discuss social trends and the directions of policy responses in the criminal justice area.
Abstract
Police interaction with other agencies, particularly with lawmakers regarding the formulation of new legislation, is the first paper's topic. An overview follows on the research state-of-the-art in criminology and in criminal justice, which assesses research effects upon policymaking. The development and goals of practical criminal policy are identified, the trend toward preventive measures is emphasized, and needed legislative changes are delineated from a police viewpoint. Separate papers address mass petty theft, white-collar crime, and drug-related crime. In weighing the implications of criminalizing or decriminalizing socially detrimental behaviors in these areas, a subsequent paper concludes that cost-effectiveness should be a major decision factor regarding changes in the law requiring increased criminal justice involvement. Reference to the legal codes of other countries provides a comparative perspective on criminal policy. One paper considers new developments in prosecutorial practices and in the legal rights of the police theoretically, while another addresses the same issues from a law enforcement viewpoint. A journalistic opinion of criminal policy as well as an assessment of the effectiveness of current criminal law and enforcement practices are included. Finally, the impacts of technological advances and social change upon the law are discussed. Individual papers contain footnotes. For individual papers, see NCJ 82396-82403.