NCJ Number
94629
Date Published
1983
Length
47 pages
Annotation
This overview of human services performed by the criminal justice system covers historical development and philosophy, current issues, innovative strategies and programs, and specialized services for high-risk populations.
Abstract
Despite many reforms, the underlying orientation of the criminal justice system is primarily punitive. Criminologists tend to consider criminal behavior as simply part of a much more extensive spectrum of deviant behavior. At present there is no one grand theory of criminality, and research has focused on four areas -- biological factors, societal influences, individual differences in personality and attitude, and behavior differences that reflect learning experiences. In addition, deep-seated differences in value orientation and ideology influence the perceptions of both practitioners and academicians. The victim, the offender, and society are all clients of the criminal justice system. While the police officer is the most visible representative of this system, by far the larger portion is hidden from public view. A summary of basic and essential services delivered by the police, the prosecutor, the courts, and corrections emphasizes the complexity of the contemporary system compared to America's earlier days. Innovative strategies developed by criminal justice agencies to accomplish their manifold tasks are described, such as police training in family crisis intervention, diversion, citizen dispute resolution centers, use of volunteers in probation, and graduated release programs. Citizen and community involvement in crime prevention are explained as an alternative to direct service. Other topics addressed include services to victims and mentally disabled offenders, funding of programs by the LEAA, the Legal Services Corporation, interagency collaboration, and accountability. Finally, the author proposes a social justice model for the criminal justice system. Flow charts and approximately 50 references are supplied.