Bench Warrant Enforcement in New York City

• NCJ Number: 81604
• Author(s): R S Morris
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 29 pages
• Corporate Author: New York State
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examines procedures for enforcing bench warrants in New York City and concludes that the system is understaffed, permeable, and ineffective in bringing escaped criminals to justice.

Abstract

Bench warrants are usually issued when a defendant or convicted criminal violates court orders, such as failing to appear before the court after being released on bail or failing to comply with probation conditions. Pressures for alternatives to imprisonment have increased the number of defendants out on bail, thus straining procedures designed to enforce the parole and probation systems. The growth of crime in New York City has been reflected in a significant increase in bench warrants during the past 5 years. A chart contrasting the distribution of warrants cleared in 1976 with their date of issuance demonstrates that only 50 percent of the 96,375 warrants issued that year were cleared. Moreover, over half the bench warrants were cleared by the police when they arrested the person in connection with another crime. Statistical analysis reveals that 20 percent of the felony perpetrators in 1976 were being sought for arrest or bench warrants. The police department maintains a special squad to pursue those individuals who are sought on top priority warrants, while second priority warrants are dispatched to separate precincts. No special efforts are targeted toward warrants denoting drug abuse center escapees and those charged with not making support payments. Analysis of the types of warrants and the manner in which they cleared again shows that a large proportion of serious bench warrants were cleared only when the individual was arrested for another crime. The warrant office's efforts are seriously impeded by staff shortages in the face of an increasing workload and inadequate computerization of its records. Ways to enhance the productivity and efficiency of the bench warrant system are outlined. Charts on warrant classifications and statistical tables are included.