NCJ Number
125212
Date Published
1989
Length
91 pages
Annotation
Scotland's program of providing fines officers in its sheriff courts was evaluated to determine if it was achieving its goals of reducing the number of offenders imprisoned as a result of fine defaults by reducing the number of fines for people requiring fine enforcement, operating the program efficiently, and increasing the credibility of the fine.
Abstract
The program was initiated experimentally in Edinburgh and Airdrie and expanded to eight additional courts starting in 1985. The evaluation took place at an early stage of program implementation and focused more on procedures than on outcomes. Results indicated that the program developed in varying ways in different courts, based on court characteristics, the nature of the cases, and the views of staff. At the time of the evaluation, the program had made only a limited impact on the number of imprisoned fine defaulters. Nevertheless, it was operating efficiently and was viewed favorably by court personnel, sheriffs, and fine defaulters. Results also indicated that external influences affected the program's operation. Tables, figures, appended forms and background information, and list of additional papers from the same organization.