NCJ Number
80268
Date Published
1975
Length
75 pages
Annotation
These excerpts from a report of the National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals addresses manpower trends, recruiting, educational requirements, and job descriptions in correctional, police, and court agencies.
Abstract
The section on corrections begins with a historical view of the haphazard development of personnel strategies and training programs. Emerging issues that affect the future of corrections are discussed, including widespread disenchantment with prisons, the move toward community-based corrections, racial strife, and political activism among offenders. Because these trends portend a need for dramatic and immediate change in correctional manpower policy, recommendations to improve recruiting practices, retain staff, and provide educational opportunities are summarized. Contracting for special services and participatory management are also recommended. Standards formulated by the National Advisory Commission on Corrections Recruitment and other personnel policies are detailed along with comments on their rationale and application. Standards are also presented on police recruiting, including specialized programs to attract college graduates, minorities, and women. Residence requirements and decentralized application and test procedures are examined. Other standards cover minimum standards for selection of police officers that States must enact by 1975 and components of the formal selection process. Criteria for local and regional trial court administrators and their responsibilities are described. A review of basic support staff and facilities for prosecutors considers paraprofessionals, clerks, office size, equipment, and access to a complete law library. Other standards relating to the prosecutor's office concern educational programs for professional personnel, filing procedures, and statistical systems. References are supplied.