NCJ Number
160595
Date Published
Unknown
Length
17 pages
Annotation
The Expedited Case Management Program, commonly referred to as the TRACK Program, is intended to reform Philadelphia's court system and target felony drug cases for early intervention through plea bargaining and alternative sentencing.
Abstract
After 3 years of operation, the TRACK Program has facilitated the nontrial disposition of many felony drug cases and has also reduced prison overcrowding through the innovative use of intermediate sanctions. The program extends to nondrug felonies as well, based on the premise that streamlined case processing will benefit all criminal justice system. The initial stage at which a defendant may participate in the program is at arraignment. The program has reduced the felony case backlog in Philadelphia courts by about 10 percent and has received national acclaim for its innovative approach. The program has also incidentally improved the readiness of court cases in general, cut down on speedy trial claims, and opened up prison space in a more expedited fashion. Alternative sentences in the TRACK Program are briefly described, particularly the Drug Offender Work Program which is a prison diversion program designed to reduce the prison population, early parole and work release, and boot camps.