NCJ Number
74547
Date Published
1979
Length
73 pages
Annotation
This study is part of a final evaluation and deals with prosecution, adjudication, and punitive sentencing activities pertaining to alleged violations of drinking/driving laws in Kansas City, Missouri, and the impact of the Alcohol Safety Action Project (ASAP), on the traffic safety system.
Abstract
Data for the study were acquired through the ASAP on arrests, dispositions, sentences, profile characteristics, and activities. Examination of time trends from before ASAP initiation through 1976 reveal dramatic changes. The initiation of ASAP more than doubled the arrest rate, but the system accommodated to this demand in about 1 year. It was more difficult for the system to adapt to the new ASAP-initiated 'per se' law, which became effective in 1975 and effectively replaced the previous driving under the influence of intoxicants offense on the municipal level. The new law mandates automatic license suspension upon conviction. The accommodation of the traffic safety system to ASAP and to the 'per se' law were possible largely because of plea bargaining and the use of an automated, computerized, pretrial screening report. The overall conviction rate increased. The city gained financially because of the increased frequency of the imposition of fines. The traffic safety system was cost efficient and resulted in enough assessed fines to cover the cost of the entire ASAP. Profile data for persons pleading guilty, found guilty, and those dismissed or acquitted are appended. Five references are cited, and the analysis data are illustrated with 12 figures and 17 tables. For a related analytic study of the Kansas City ASAP, see NCJRS 74548. (Author abstract modified).