NCJ Number
100129
Date Published
1985
Length
78 pages
Annotation
This report reviews the current status of knowledge about career criminality and describes the ways in which various law enforcement agencies are dealing with the problem of repeat offenders.
Abstract
Intended for use by both law enforcement executives and operational personnel, the report uses information from a literature search; a telephone survey of 80 law enforcement agencies; and site visits to 8 local law enforcement agencies with different geographical, organizational, and jurisdictional characteristics. Three basic types of career criminal programs were found. Two methods involve increasing the attention given to a case after an arrest has occurred; the third seeks to target career criminals before they are arrested for a new offense. The two postarrest approaches are intensified efforts at successful prosecution and special efforts to ensure the immediate service of outstanding warrants. Thirty-three of the 80 police departments contacted had career criminal programs. Twenty-six departments with more than 200 sworn officers had such programs. The programs varied in their approach and intensity and in their organizational location. Detailed case studies focused on programs in New York City; San Diego; St. Louis County, Mo.; Baltimore County, Md.; Washington, D.C.; Kansas City; Albuquerque, N. Mex.; and West Covina, Calif. Charts, tables, footnotes, and an annotated list of 44 references are included.