NCJ Number
76271
Date Published
1981
Length
83 pages
Annotation
Findings and recommendations from the LEAA Technical Assistance team's visit to the Superior Court operations of the District of Columbia in February 1981 are presented.
Abstract
The team examined the management and operations functions of the Superior Court in accordance with a contract with LEAA. The purpose of the visit was to analyze problems related to the pretrial diversion of defendants and the Victim/Witness Unit. The visit focused on a wide range of problems stemming from paperwork and organizational procedures, financial management and budgeting systems, space and equipment requirements, and specialized operational programs and procedures unique to the delivery of prosecutorial services. Interviews were conducted with those members of the office who are most directly involved in the problem area, analysis of the problems was completed, and an exposition of needed changes was developed. The team noted that the Director of the Superior Court operations oversees a staff of 71 Assistant United States Attorneys, of whom approximately 85 percent have less than 4 years of experience. The Metropolitan Police Department is responsible for all cases filed in Superior Court. Last year, approximately 11,000 misdemeanors and 5,500 felonies were presented for prosecution. The team recommendations include discontinuing use of the First Offender Treatment program and the Special Offender Treatment program. Careful consideration should be given to the expansion of the current diversion program by including certain classes of felony offenders. The court should seek input from the victim and the arresting officer when diverting felony defendants and should increase use of the information gathered by the District of Columbia Pretrial Services Agency when making diversion decisions. Use of the Community Services Project for diverted defendants should be increased. The Victim/Witness Assistance Unit should be restructured to include two distinct units, the Witness Locator Unit and the Witness Assistance Unit. Extensive exhibits are appended to the report. (Author abstract modified)