NCJ Number
7093
Date Published
1971
Length
534 pages
Annotation
EXAMINATION OF ORIGINS AND MANDATES OF COMMISSIONS, THEIR INTERNAL ORGANIZATION, THEIR CONCEPTS AND THEORIES OF RIOTS, AND THE NATURE OF THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS.
Abstract
LED BY PUBLIC CONCERN FOR AN EXPLANATION OF CIVIL DISORDERS, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND VARIOUS STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS HAVE ESTABLISHED COMMISSIONS TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSES OF PUBLIC RIOTING AND TO DETERMINE HOW TO PREVENT AND CONTROL THEIR ERUPTION. THE PROLIFERATION OF SUCH COMMISSIONS IN RECENT YEARS PROMISES TO ESTABLISH THEM AS A TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION AND ROUTINE GOVERNMENTAL RESPONSE TO CIVIL DISORDERS. COMMISSIONS CREATED AS A RESPONSE TO DISTURBANCES IN EAST ST. LOUIS IN 1917, CHICAGO IN 1919, NEW YORK IN 1935, DETROIT IN 1943 AND WATTS IN 1965, AS WELL AS THE MORE RECENT COMMISSIONS ESTABLISHED FOLLOWING THE ASSASSINATION OF MARTIN LUTHER KING AND THE KILLINGS AT JACKSON STATE ARE STUDIED. THE VARIOUS REPORTS ARE REPRODUCED IN FULL AND EACH IS FOLLOWED BY AN EVALUATIVE ESSAY.