NCJ Number
46483
Date Published
1977
Length
29 pages
Annotation
THE RESPONSE OF NEW YORK CITY'S CRIMINAL AND JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEMS TO THE BLACKOUT EMERGENCY OF JULY 1977 IS EXAMINED, AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING RESPONSE IN FUTURE EMERGENCIES ARE OFFERED.
Abstract
DURING THE BLACKOUT, MANY AREAS IN BROOKLYN, THE BRONX, MANHATTAN, AND QUEENS, N.Y., WERE THE TARGETS OF WIDESPREAD LOOTING AND DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY. POLICE MADE MORE THAN 3,000 ARRESTS FOR LOOTING AND RELATED CHARGES. TO MEET THE CRISIS, THE POLICE DEPARTMENT PLACED 17,411 OFFICERS AND SUPERVISORS ON DUTY COMPARED TO 9,744 OFFICERS FOR A NORMAL 24-HOUR PERIOD). AS THE SITUATION DEVELOPED, DIFFICULTIES IN COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION AROSE. THE INFLUX OF ARRESTS RESULTED IN INORDINATE DELAYS IN ARRAIGNING DEFENDANTS. THE SYSTEM FOR TRANSFERING CUSTODY OF AN ARRESTED PERSON FROM POLICE TO COURT TO CORRECTIONS WAS SEVERELY DISRUPTED DURING THE BLACKOUT. THE REPORT FOCUSES ON TWO MAJOR PROBLEMS: DELAYS IN ARRAIGNMENT AND OVERCROWDING IN DETENTION FACILITIES. IT IS NOTED THAT THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AS A RESULT OF THE BLACKOUT COULD HAVE BEEN AMELIORATED HAD ALL AGENCIES ACTED IN A PLANNED, COORDINATED MANNER. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT ALL CITIES IN NEW YORK STATE DEVELOP DETAILED PLANS FOR DEALING WITH EMERGENCY SITUATIONS RESULTING IN MASS ARRESTS. SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ARE DIRECTED TO THE NEW YORK CITY CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMUNITY. SUPPORTING DATA ARE INCLUDED. (LKM)