NCJ Number
35502
Date Published
1968
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILM GRAPHICALLY PORTRAYS THE INHUMANITIES AND INJUSTICES OF THE REVOLVING DOOR PROCESS OF ARREST, INCARCERATION, AND REARREST OF THE MINOR OFFENDER, AND OFFERS CONCRETE SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO END THIS CYCLE.
Abstract
AN OVERVIEW OF THE KINDS OF MINOR OFFENDERS WHO MOST OFTEN FIND THEMSELVES IN THE ARREST-RELEASE-ARREST CYCLE IS PROVIDED. IT IS NOTED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THESE CASES ARE HEARD IN THE LOWER COURTS OF AMERICA, WHERE OVERCROWDED DOCKETS, LACK OF ADEQUATE FACILITIES, AND LACK OF PROBATION FACILITIES MAY FORCE A 'PRODUCTIONLINE' TYPE OF JUSTICE ON THE MINOR OFFENDER. THE IMPACT OF THIS HIGH CASE VOLUME ON THE PERFORMANCE OF PROSECUTORS, THE DEFENSE, JUDGES, AND POLICE IS EXAMINED. THE NEXT STEP OF THE REVOLVING DOOR PROCESS - JAIL - IS THEN REVIEWED. THROUGH NUMEROUS PHOTOGRAPHS OF ACTUAL FACILITY CONDITIONS, THE FILM POINTS OUT THE OVERCROWDED, UNSANITARY, WASTEFUL, AND DEHUMANIZING CONDITIONS THAT EXIST IN MANY OF OUR NATION'S JAILS. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PRESENT SYSTEM WHICH MAY HALT THE REVOLVING DOOR PROCESS ARE FINALLY INVESTIGATED. THESE INCLUDE COMMUNITY TREATMENT SYSTEMS FOR SOME MINOR OFFENDERS (SUCH AS ALCOHOLICS), PROVISION OF PROBATION SERVICES IN THE LOWER COURTS, AND USE OF PROBATION VOLUNTEERS FOR MINOR OFFENDERS. IMPROVEMENT IN THE JAIL FACILITIES THROUGH PROVISION OF INMATE TREATMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS, IMPROVED TRAINING OF STAFF, COUNSELING SERVICES FOR INMATES, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAMS SUCH AS WORK RELEASE IS ALSO ADVOCATED.