NCJ Number
10881
Date Published
1973
Length
90 pages
Annotation
TASK FORCE STUDY AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, ORGANIZATIONAL, AND CONCEPTUAL CHANGES.
Abstract
THE SUBCOMMITTEE CONCLUDES THAT THERE IS AN URGENT NEED NOT ONLY FOR MORE EFFICIENT METHODS BY WHICH SERVICES ARE DELIVERED TO AND BY THE COURTS, BUT ALSO FOR A REDIRECTION OF PROBATION, WHICH WOULD ENTAIL BROADER INVOLVEMENT. SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE A GREATER DEGREE OF INTERDISCIPLINARY CONSULTATION BETWEEN JUDGES, PROBATION AND MEDICAL PERSONNEL, AS WELL AS STRUCTURED CHANNELS AND METHODS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN COURTS AND PROBATION. ADDITIONALLY, THE SUBCOMMITTEE SUGGESTS THAT 'RECOMMENDED OPTIONS FOR DISPOSITION SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN ALL PRE-SENTENCE PROBATION REPORTS IN CRIMINAL COURTS. FULLY COMPREHENSIVE, DETAILED AND RELIABLE PRE-SENTENCE REPORTS SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO JUDGES TO ASSIST THEM IN MAKING EFFECTIVE DISPOSITIONS'. HOWEVER IT IS ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE PRESENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENT FOR PRESENTENCE REPORTS SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO WAIVER, EXCEPT IN FELONY CASES, OR WHERE A SENTENCE OF PROBATION IS IMPOSED. APPENDED MATERIAL OFFERS FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE PROBATION FUNCTION AND ITS ADMINISTRATION, AND PROBATION STAFF IN NEW YORK STATE AND NEW YORK CITY. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)