NCJ Number
83459
Date Published
1981
Length
36 pages
Annotation
A pragmatic approach to solving the Nation's crime problem should be based on the views that treating juvenile offenders must be a priority, that career criminals must be imprisoned, that rehabilitation does not work with career criminals, and that swift punishment is the best deterrent.
Abstract
Additional views are that the rights of victims and witnesses must be considered, that drug abuse is the single greatest contributing factor to crime, and that crime is primarily a State and local problem. Furthermore, crime is each citizen's problem, and the community must be totally committed to support a well-structured crime prevention program. Local Republican women's organizations should check their State and local laws in the areas of mandatory sentencing for crimes committed with a gun, rape or sexual abuse, victim restitution, bail reform, and the exclusionary rule. Other laws which should be examined concern limitations on the right of habeas corpus, mandatory speedy trials, determinant sentencing, and the death penalty. Local organizations should lobby for effective laws in these areas. Local organizations should also choose and implement an action project related to home security, Operation Identification, Neighborhood Watch, posses, youth education, and court support. Other possible projects might relate to the establishment of voluntary dispute settlement centers, aid to victims or witnesses, an escort or errand service for elderly persons, and direct support to the police. Guidelines for starting each type of project are provided. Appendixes present an outline of the recommendations of the Attorney General's Task Force on Violent Crime, a summary of the California Victim's Bill of Rights, a sample invitation to a neighborhood meeting, and a list of audiovisual materials.