Technical Assistance Visit to the State's Attorney for Carroll County, Maryland - Report

• NCJ Number: 75922
• Author(s): L R Mellon; W F Smith
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 52 pages
• Contract Number(s): J-LEAA-010-80
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Corporate Author: Bureau of Social Science Research, Inc
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Findings and recommendations from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA) Technical Assistance team's visit to the Office of the State's Attorney for Carroll County, Md., are presented.

Abstract

In December 1980, the Technical Assistance team examined the management and operations functions of the office in accordance with a contract with LEAA. The purpose of the visit was to analyze problems related to the intake of criminal cases, the use of statistics, and the problems surrounding witness scheduling and activity. The examination was designed to address 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, a functional analysis was completed, and recommendations were made regarding needed changes. Sixteen individuals are employed in the office, including eight attorneys. Seven police agencies work in Carroll County; the Maryland State Police Department brings in approximately 50 percent of the cases, with the three most prevalent crimes being burglary, theft, and the manufacture and distribution of controlled substances. In general, the office is well run and the staff appears satisfied with its performance. The physical facilities are spacious and attractive. The team recommends establishment of an intake unit for the purposes of reviewing police charges and determining the proper level of charge. It is suggested that the office establish a plea cut-off date, using the pretrial conference, thereby creating a pure trial docket. In addition, statistics on intake and dispositions and a witness document should be created. Finally, the office should develop a system for serving summonses by mail. Eight footnotes and appendixes are included in the report. (Author abstract modified)