NCJ Number
143958
Date Published
1991
Length
198 pages
Annotation
The potential usefulness of the criminal justice coordinating council model for improving coordination, cooperation, resource sharing, and efficiency in the criminal justice system in King County (Wash.) was studied by means of a literature review, interviews with criminal justice personnel, and a survey of the use of the CJCC model in 25 other jurisdictions nationwide.
Abstract
The analysis noted that the fragmented criminal justice system in King County may overwhelm general government with spiraling costs. These costs are caused in significant degree by the lack of cooperation and coordination among the agencies that deliver criminal justice services. Systemwide planning would provide the opportunity for the disparate components of the criminal justice structure to work together. Collaboration in the analysis of problems and the sharing of information, resources, and expertise can develop local capacity for crime prevention, criminal justice system reform, and community mobilization. Strong planning capacity can also provide elected officials and criminal justice executives with the data and analysis essential for establishing rational policies and priorities for a complex system. Results indicated the desirability of establishing a formal criminal justice coordinating council, with sufficient authority, appropriate representation, and adequate staffing to serve the King County region. Figures, appended charts, list of survey respondents, and 55 references