NCJ Number
133640
Journal
Justice System Journal Volume: 14/3, V 15/1 Dated: (1991) Pages: 494-506
Date Published
1991
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Data collected from an in-depth analysis of local police arrest forms, extensive reviews of county and district court records, and interviews with local public officials responsible for dealing with those charged with criminal offenses were used to evaluate the costs of crimes committed by Cuban Mariel refugees in Dade County, Florida in the early 1980's. A cost estimation methodology was developed and applied to those charged with crimes in order to measure the costs of additional cases to the courts.
Abstract
The results indicate that, due to the unexpected influx of refugees, local court costs totaled $4.3 million between July 1980 and May 1983. These figures do not include additional direct and indirect costs related to property damage, jail overcrowding, and loss of productivity. The findings confirm the need for better integration of criminal justice information systems in most large urban jurisdictions. Restructuring a court's management information system should include the incorporation of a systematic cost methodology for improved routine information processing, efficient planning, and the development of performance measures. The author notes the difficulties of applying cost accounting techniques used in the private sector to the unique financial and budgetary environment of courts. 4 tables, 6 notes, and 9 references