NCJ Number
78029
Date Published
1980
Length
52 pages
Annotation
Findings and recommendations are presented from the 1979 study of a Georgia legislative subcommittee established to determine what actions the General Assembly and State government should take to reduce crime.
Abstract
Based on public hearings held throughout the State, the subcommittee found that the crime crisis in the State is indeed real and that its effect on citizens is psychologically debilitating. Among basic conclusions were that crime control must become a public concern, that private citizens must be encouraged to participate more fully in crime awareness and crime prevention activities; and that comprehensive recordkeeping and data-dissemination systems are needed for both planning and implementation of crime control programs. It was also concluded that punishment must be swift and certain as well as fair and that the schools, churches, families, businesses, civic and fraternal organizations, and all other institutions of a free society must accept the responsibility of developing effective programs for teaching the values of honesty, self-discipline, and respect for the personal well-being and property rights of others. Based on these conclusions, the Subcommittee advises comprehensive and well-coordinated measures. Some measures will require funding and others will require enabling legislation. Some will necessitate nothing more than changes in existing policies, along with a recommitment to interagency coordination of services and a rededication of citizen interest in controlling crime. Recommendations deal with drug trafficking and alcohol abuse, personal and property crimes, criminal justice planning and policymaking, criminal justice information systems, the police, courts and criminal prosecution, offender rehabilitation, and juvenile justice. Graphic data are provided on various types of offenses.