NCJ Number
77342
Date Published
Unknown
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This report presents findings from the Office of Criminal Justice Services Survey of Prosecuting Attorneys conducted by the Statistical Analysis Center and the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association.
Abstract
The purpose of the survey was to collect current data regarding personnel and operations in Ohio's 88 county prosecutor offices and to provide the results to the prosecutors. However, only 46 of the 88 counties, representing 59 percent of the total State population, responded to the survey. This response rate did not allow statistically acceptable statewide projections. Nevertheless, it was sufficient to present a profile of typical county prosecutor operations in each of the four classes of counties in Ohio. Classes are indicative of the size of the population; i.e., class A counties serve over 45 percent of the State's population, and class D counties serve 12 percent. Each county has one elected prosecutor whose salary is legislatively determined based upon the county's population. In Ohio, prosecutors' salaries range from $20,000 to $33,500 per year. No prosecutor in the sample has less than 3 years experience as a practicing attorney. With the exception of the smallest counties, the prosecutor usually employs at least one investigator. Findings reveal that class A counties accept more of the cases referred (90 percent) than do other counties because large caseloads prevent the 'weeding out process' afforded prosecutors in smaller counties and because the awareness of legalities among law enforcement officers limits the number of unacceptable cases introduced. Approximately 50 percent of all cases were plea bargained in all county classes. A low percentage of cases were dismissed for exceeding statutory time limitations. Finally, few prosecutors have access to automated information systems, and in virtually all counties, the allocations for prosecution are mutually and informally agreed upon by the court, the commissioners, and the prosecutor. County prosecutor profiles are included. Eight tables, four figures, and appendixes are included in the report.