NCJ Number
46672
Date Published
1977
Length
298 pages
Annotation
PRACTICAL GUIDANCE IS PROVIDED FOR CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE, INCLUDING INFORMATION ON HOW PROJECTS SHOULD BE SELECTED, IMPLEMENTED, FUNDED, ADMINISTERED, EVALUATED, AND COMMUNICATED.
Abstract
AN OVERVIEW OF CRIME, DELINQUENCY, AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IS FOLLOWED BY AN EXAMINATION OF THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTARY INTERVENTION. THE 'HOW-TO' SECTION OF THE MANUAL FOCUSES ON THE INITIAL DECISIONS TO BE MADE IN DETERMINING WHAT CRIMINAL JUSTICE INVOLVEMENT TO PURSUE. A CHAPTER IS INCLUDED ON FORMING A GROUP TO SPONSOR A PROGRAM; IT COVERS PROJECT SELECTION BY WAY OF ASSESSING COMMUNITY NEEDS, SELECTING AND STUDYING A PARTICULAR NEED OR PROBLEM AREA, AND ANALYZING SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERVENTION IN RELATION TO THE RESOURCES AND INTERESTS OF GROUP MEMBERS. AMONG STEPS INVOLVED IN DESINGING A PROGRAM ARE DEVELOPING A DETAILED ACTION PLAN, BUILDING IN CONTROLS AND EVALUATION PROCEDURES FOR INSURING ACCOUNTABILITY, BUDGET PLANNING, AND SECURING THE NEEDED FUNDS. DISCUSSIONS ARE PRESENTED OF MANAGEMENT CONCERNS; LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS, SUCH AS TAXES, CONTRACTS, AND INSURANCE; BOARDS AND ADVISORY COMMITTEES; AND ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS (I.E., HOW TO DIVIDE AND COORDINATE WORK). LEADERSHIP ROLES AND REQUIREMENTS AND ALTERNATE WAYS OF MAKING DECISIONS ARE EXAMINED. TECHNIQUES FOR RECRUITING, SELECTING, TRAINING, REWARDING, AND SUPERVISING VOLUNTEERS, ALONG WITH THE ISSUE OF VOLUNTEER AND SALARIED STAFF RELATIONS, ARE ALSO EXPLORED. THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATING WITH OTHER GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS IF MAXIMUM BENEFITS ARE TO BE DERIVED FROM THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE INVOLVEMENT IS EMPHASIZED. CHAPTERS ARE INCLUDED ON COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, PUBLIC RELATIONS, AND ADVOCACY. THE FINAL SECTION DETAILS THE VARIOUS TYPES OF ASSISTANCE AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THOSE WORKING WITH COMMUNITY ANTICRIME PROGRAMS; INCLUDED ARE SOURCES OF FUNDING, INFORMATION, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, AND VOLUNTEERS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED--DAS)