NCJ Number
82774
Date Published
1968
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Criminal justice planning that can improve procedures for handling those arrested in civil disorders is discussed.
Abstract
Riots in the summer of 1967 revealed deficiencies in the criminal justice system, specifically, inadequate arrest and booking procedures, insufficient and inadequate detention facilities, uneven and unfair bail practices, and shortages of professional and nonprofessional personnel required to keep the system operating effectively. Proper planning for the criminal justice system's response to civil disorders can eliminate many of these deficiencies. Arrest and booking procedures can be improved by augmenting personnel at the precinct station, using short-form arrest and booking forms and Polaroid cameras at the time of booking to photograph the suspect and arresting officer, and using mobile booking stations. The strain on detention facilities can be relieved by identifying in advance those additional structures that can be used immediately to expand detention capacity. Prompt arraignment can be ensured by having in place an alerting system which calls on designated judges to augment the normal panel. There should also be plans for calling in additional prosecutors and defense attorneys to expedite the processing of the increased caseload. Bail policy should be discussed in advance, so detention facilities will not be unnecessarily strained. Further communication channels should be established to permit police supervisors to know what is happening on the scene so officer behavior can be guided and restrained.