Impact of Proposition 13 on Local Criminal Justice Agencies Emerging Patterns (From Crime and Criminal Justice in a Declining Economy, P 173-227, 1981, Kevin N Wright, ed. - See NCJ-84138)

• NCJ Number: 84145
• Author(s): W E Walker; J M Chaiken; A P Jiga; S S Polin
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 55 pages
• Grant Number(s): 78-NI-AX-0155
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Sale Source: Oelgeschlager, Gunn and Hain Publishers, Inc
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The impact of Proposition 13, mandating property tax cuts for local jurisdictions in California, has included changes in the goals and objectives of the criminal justice system and an overall drop in the quality of justice.

Abstract

The four primary counties and two secondary counties selected for study were expected to display a wide range of representative responses to property tax limitation. Overall, the jurisdictions were characterized by (1) attempts to apply short-term solutions to long-term problems; (2) an exodus of some of the best people from local government, a lowered sense of dedication and reduced morale among those remaining, and increased difficulties in attracting high quality replacements; (3) a growing influence of the State and Federal governments over local government activities; (4) a growing conflict between local government autonomy and the mandates and dictates of higher level governments; and (5) changes in the goals and objectives of the criminal justice system. The criminal justice systems represented have become harsher. There are fewer opportunities for meaningful probation supervision or treatment in a correctional facility, and much larger numbers of offenders are being imprisoned. Prisons are overcrowded and plagued with violence. Priorities for policing and prosecution must be set, which means that many offenses are not investigated or prosecuted. A total of 48 references and 25 notes are provided.