NCJ Number
164899
Date Published
1996
Length
168 pages
Annotation
This system-wide evaluation of criminal justice system needs in Inyo County, Calif., examines the state of criminal justice in the county and offers recommendations for the development of a long-term strategy for the provision of quality services, given a future of limited resources.
Abstract
To achieve this objective, the evaluation used a three- pronged approach. First, it performed statistical analyses of population data from the county jail and juvenile detention center to identify the nature of the population that passes through these detention facilities and to identify system issues and project the size and type of population the county might house over the next 20 years. Second, evaluators used these findings and extensive data from other areas, including interviews with representatives from all criminal justice agencies and a review of agency reports and documents, to assess the system's individual agencies and their relationship to each other in terms of the overall impact on efficiency and effectiveness. Finally, consultants evaluated existing court and detention facilities, and, using system findings, developed options for the current and future use of these facilities. The presentation of the analysis correlates with the adjudication process and system flow: county government and information systems (managing the resources); law enforcement and detention (managing the flow); courts, district attorney, and public defenders (managing the case); probation and program alternatives (managing the offender); criminal justice facilities (managing the space); and juvenile justice. Each of these sections contains agency and process descriptions as well as agency findings and recommendations. One priority recommendation is to create and implement a criminal justice and population management plan that involves all criminal justice agencies. Another high-priority recommendation is the establishment of a management information systems group to develop an integrated information plan. A third important recommendation is to establish a juvenile justice group as part of the system management plan and to coordinate juvenile justice activities. Appended resources, interviews, an illustrated example of one jail option, and a joint jurisdiction addendum