NCJ Number
99212
Date Published
1985
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This summary and two chapters from The Netherlands Government's official plan to combat crime focus on the extent of the crime problem, the workload and deficiencies of the current criminal justice system, and the government's policy to increase public safety.
Abstract
The government plan reviews the development of crime in recent years and its impact on the workloads of the police and the courts. These data show that recorded crimes increased fourfold over 1970-83, but the growth in public expenditures for police and the administration of justice lagged far behind. Police, prosecutors, and the courts are overburdened, and deficiencies have arisen in the prison system. The plan forecasts the workloads the police and courts can expect in the period ending in 1990. They show an expected increase of 30 percent in offenses reported to the police and 20 percent in criminal cases brought before the courts. Other chapters in the plan focus on principles underlying government policy; criminal policy must be governed by the concepts of differentiation -- petty crimes and serious crimes require totally different approaches -- and consistency. In the latter area, police and courts must conform to existing standards, and a clear and uniform prosecution policy toward organized crime and drug offenses must be adopted. The summary highlights measures the government plans to implement these policies with regard to the administrative framework and responsibilities of police, prosecutors, and courts. The document includes the plan's two chapters which survey the crime problem and criminal justice system and explain the principles underlying the government's crime control plan. Charts and footnotes are included.