NCJ Number
89775
Date Published
1982
Length
178 pages
Annotation
Representatives from various agencies of the U.S. Justice Department testify about their policy and practice in addressing of justice at the community level, with particular attention to allegations of police brutality that occasioned the recent riots in Miami.
Abstract
The purpose of the hearing was to receive testimony from selected Federal officials on their agency's policies and practices for (1) preventing discrimination, (2) responding to allegations of discrimination, justice at the community level in violation of Federal laws, and (3) helping to resolve public crises that develop as a direct result of discrimination. The officials were also asked for recommendations for a unified Federal strategy for improving coordination and communication among Federal agencies that have responsibilities in the administration of justice and between the Federal Government and local departments and agencies with similar responsibilities. The testimony and the questioning gave particular attention to how complaints of civil rights violations by law enforcement personnel are received and the policy of response. The suspension of Federal investigations of such matters when local authorities assume the case was questioned by some members of the Commission, since it creates delays in the resolution of the matter by Federal authorities should the investigation or disposition of the matter by local authorities be inadequate. Exhibits are included.