NCJ Number
82449
Date Published
1982
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This review prepared by the Citizens Crime Commission of New York City assesses the major developments in crime and criminal justice in New York City during 1981; key proposals for improvement are analyzed.
Abstract
Although final figures are not available, it appears that the number of serious crimes recorded in 1981 will be only slightly greater than in 1980. Primary credit for holding the line against crime belongs to the New York City Police Department. The department faced the greatest volume of crime ever, with the smallest complement of personnel in over 25 years. In courts and corrections, 1981 witnessed little progress and major failures. For example, the State corrections commissioner was caught between a Federal court order to accept more prisoners in facilities already at 112-percent capacity and a State court directive forbidding further overcrowding. The period from May through September 1981 witnessed a decline in total Index crimes; 311,1973 crimes were recorded in 1981 compared with 321,105 for 1980. This decline is attributable to police department efforts targeting robbery and the career criminal. Problem areas which remain in the enforcement area include police personnel reduction, command structure, and development of effective control strategies for subway crime. Leading authorities have urged more certainty in sentencing for years, but by 1981 this consistency had not been achieved. Reforms are also recommended in the areas of jury selection, bail, and the juvenile court. A 1981 survey of New York City residents revealed that nearly 50 percent of those interviewed cited crime as the most important problem facing the city. Three tables and 22 references are included.