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Crime and the Justice System in Virginia - Executive Summary

NCJ Number
82314
Date Published
1981
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This document contains recommendations of Virginia's Council on Criminal Justice and the Division of Justice and Crime Prevention that should be implemented between 1982 and 1986 to combat crime and delinquency and increase the effectiveness of the State's judicial system.
Abstract
Suggestions to improve law enforcement capabilities focus on integrated criminal apprehension programs, administrative systems, salaries, and the Operation Identification program. Several recommendations address court administration, including computerized information systems, victim-witness programs, jury selection techniques, career criminal prosecutions, and defense services for indigents. In the adult corrections field, the Council proposes increasing the use of community-based programs and diversion, upgrading local detention centers, increasing followup services, and improving inmate programs. Recommendations concerning juvenile corrections emphasize the need for community-based alternatives to treat youth, aftercare services, and appropriate detention practices. Also covered are special juvenile law enforcement units, court intake processes, and programs for juveniles in jails and other correctional facilities. Prevention strategies are outlined for juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Methods for enhancing community awareness of crime prevention techniques are summarized. The final section on criminal justice training discusses current effort and details steps developed to meet the goals of continuing judicial education despite reduce funding. Other suggested actions consider training for prosecutors, adult corrections personnel, and juvenile justice and delinquency prevention workers.