NCJ Number
88031
Journal
Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology Volume: 73 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1982) Pages: 965-984
Date Published
1982
Length
20 pages
Annotation
The Federal Government should support local and State governments in their efforts to apprehend and prosecute habitual and violent offenders by providing financial aid and extending Federal jurisdiction to crimes committed by aliens.
Abstract
In 1973, the Major Offense Bureau was established in Bronx County, N.Y., with the help of LEAA funding to target the speedy and effective prosecution of habitual and violent offenders. Under the procedure established, an assistant district attorney must be notified whenever an arrest is made in the county for a serious crime. The recidivist is identified, and full control over all aspects of selected cases is acquired and maintained through final disposition, thus ensuring the integrity and consistency of prosecution policy. Also, a full and complete investigation, using the latest scientific and technological advances, is immediately instituted. For cases selected for prosecution by the Major Offense Bureau, the median time between arrest and case disposition has been 97 days, compared with a median time of 400 days for all other felony cases prosecuted in the county. The speed and quality of disposition is evidenced by an overall conviction rate for the Bureau of 96 percent, in contrast to the 84 percent conviction rate for a control group. The New York City Police Department has established the Felony Augmentation Program to supplement the Bureau's program. This has involved the creation of two specialized detective units which are responsible for the public surveillance and apprehension of targeted habitual and violent offenders and any postarrest investigations needed by the prosecutor. A significant problem in Bronx County has been the violent crimes committed by aliens, notably Cuban aliens who entered the country in the 1980 'boatlift.' The Federal Government is responsible for the entrance of these aliens into the country and should enact a law expanding Federal jurisdiction to crimes committed by aliens rather than expecting State and local governments to bear the financial burden of dealing with their crimes. A total of 65 footnotes are provided.