NCJ Number
98730
Date Published
1981
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This paper comments on several research issues related to a previous study of coordination between police and prosecutors, identifies specific problems in police-prosecutor relations, and lists eight programs providing cooperation between police and prosecutors.
Abstract
This research focuses on the need for communication processes between police and prosecutors in the justice system, the role of the quality and quantity of information in justice processes, and the relationship between information and outcomes. The application of communications technology to problems involving information is discussed, with emphasis on the roles of dictation equipment in preparing reports, the use of interactive computer systems, computer-assisted case intake techniques, and systems for linking information sources. Research gaps that deserve high priority are listed, including the initial screening process, the nature of rejected and reduced cases, case strength, variations in the role definitions of chief prosecutors, and value differences between police and prosecutors. Current programs of coordination listed are the Detroit police-prosecutor planning council, the New Orleans systems of police review of probable case outcome, and prosecutors' telephone availability to police in Baltimore County, Md. Also listed are programs sending prosecutors to the scenes of certain crimes or arrests, a program to enhance police report writing, the District of Columbia's system for controlling police followup investigation, programs in which prosecutors take over the initial charging process, and mutual training efforts. These programs are considered ready for application in other locations. Other promising programs are also listed. Strengths and weaknesses of the authors' research and its relationship to other research efforts are also discussed.