NCJ Number
78817
Journal
Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology Volume: 71 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1980) Pages: 107-112
Date Published
1980
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article briefly examines the performance of the California Career Criminal Prosecution (CCP) program over a 16-month period using data from 3,546 completed evaluation data forms (EDF's) and extensive interviews conducted with over 250 persons in the local communities.
Abstract
The CCP program's goal is to identify, vigorously prosecute, and incarcerate recidivists. California's program differs from those in some other States because a defendant must be charged with one of seven identified target offenses to be included in CCP. These offenses are arson, burglary, drug offenses, receiving stolen property, theft, grand theft auto, and robbery. The California legislation also requires that one of three criteria be satisfied before the defendant can be tried as a career criminal. These spell out the combination of target offenses and past convictions that make an offender eligible for the program. Approximately 96 percent of the defendants whom the CCP units have prosecuted have been males. Approximately 40 percent were white, 36 percent black, 18 percent Mexican American, and 7 percent Native American. The average age of the population was 28 years, and nearly 64 percent of the 1,333 current career criminal defendants were under some kind of criminal justice sanction at the time of the offense. Of that number, slightly more than 35 percent were on parole, while just under 25 percent were on probation. Statistical analysis shows that the CCP units are meeting their legislative objectives, which the article examines in detail. The program's success is demonstrated by the infusion of State funds to ensure its continuation. Tables and notes are included.