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Institutional Response to the Rising Crime Rate in New Jersey

NCJ Number
78237
Author(s)
J J Degnan; E H Stier; C L Pagano
Date Published
1980
Length
57 pages
Annotation
New Jersey's Attorney General discusses how State institutions can more effectively combat street crime in the State and presents recommendations regarding improved police services and the criminal justice process. State crime prevention programs are also described.
Abstract
The report details the need to develop minimum statewide police training, performance, and entry standards and suggests the need to specifically empower the attorney general with limited authority to intervene when necessary to guarantee the delivery of an appropriate level of basic police services to a community. It proposes, among other measures, the idea of waivers on funding limitations for police to ensure the adequate delivery of police protection. The report also discusses the concept of a State Police Metro Task Force, which would involve a limited assignment of State Police personnel, after consultation with municipal authorities, to high-crime urban areas in situations where State resources can effectively complement local efforts. Finally, numerous programs established to reduce street crime in the State are described, with attention to Newark's Robbery Prevention/Investigations Project and Essex County's Career Criminal Program. Other programs and recommendations addressing the need for speedy trials; aid to victims/witnesses; sentencing and parole problems; private security needs; and reforms in the juvenile justice system, corrections, and the medical examiner system are discussed.