NCJ Number
188346
Date Published
May 2001
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the need for better coordination among participating agencies in the District of Columbia (D.C.)criminal justice system.
Abstract
The D.C. criminal justice system consists of D.C., Federal, and federally funded D.C. agencies. In addition, more than 30 law enforcement agencies other than the Metropolitan Police Department have a presence in D.C. The report observes that, because of the various agencies' different sources of funding, reporting structures, and organizational perspectives, it has been difficult to take a coordinated approach to identifying and addressing problem areas that balances competing institutional interests. One reason for this is that the costs of coordinating activities and taking corrective actions may fall on one or more federally funded agencies, while any savings may accrue to one or more D.C. funded agencies, or vice versa. In the absence of a single hierarchy and funding structure, agencies have generally acted in their own interests rather than in the interest of the system as a whole. The report recommends that Congress fund an Independent Criminal Justice Coordinating Council that would, among other things, assist criminal justice agencies in coordinating initiatives to improve the system's operations. The Council would report annually to Congress, the Attorney General, and the D.C. Mayor on its activities, achievements, and issues not yet resolved and why. Notes, tables