NCJ Number
40195
Date Published
1976
Length
8 pages
Annotation
AN ANALYSIS OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE SHENANGO VALLEY DRUG UNIT, INCLUDING ARREST LEVELS AND CONVICTION LEVELS.
Abstract
THE FOCUS OF THIS EVALUATION WAS ON FOUR SPECIFIC INDICATORS OF PROGRAM SUCCESS: NUMBER AND TYPES OF ARRESTS FOR DRUG POSSESSION AND USE; CHARGES ALTERED BY THE COURT FOR EVIDENTIARY OR OTHER PURPOSES; ACQUITTAL AND CONVICTION DISMISSAL RATES; AND LEVELS OF INTERAGENCY COOPERATION. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE DRUG UNIT EFFECTED A SIZEABLE PROPORTION OF THE DRUG ARRESTS IN MERCER CO, PA. IN GENERAL, COOPERATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES WAS FOUND TO BE HIGH. FINALLY, IT WAS FOUND THAT A NUMBER OF CASES WERE LOST THROUGH SUPPRESSION HEARINGS AND DISMISSALS; HOWEVER, 82 PERCENT OF THESE INVOLVED SMALL AMOUNTS OF 'SOFT' DRUGS. MOST HARDER DRUG CASES RESULTED IN A CONVICTION ON A DRUG OR OTHER FELONY CHARGE.