NCJ Number
82253
Date Published
1981
Length
15 pages
Annotation
A Netherlands' program of immediate assistance (early intervention) for persons detained in police custody is described and assessed.
Abstract
The main objectives of early intervention are (1) to contribute to the decision about whether a person should be remanded in custody, (2) to provide support in dealing with immediate problems, and (3) to initiate a process of assistance. The program involves probation officers interviewing arrestees and determining their situation and needs, followed by a report that covers a variety of subjects including whether the prisoner should be remanded in custody, the prisoner's state of health, the crime and the prisoner's criminal record, the need for probation or psychiatric report, and the psychosocial consequences of pretrial detention. These reports are given to the examining magistrate and public prosecutor. The program was assessed through interviews with 166 adult suspects detained by the police in six towns, as well as with the probation officers dealing with the suspects. The aim of the interviews was to determine whether the goals of early intervention are being achieved. Six years after introducing the program, its central aim -assisting the examining magistrate to decide about a suspect's remand in custody -- is not being achieved, and there is some doubt as to whether early intervention helps to initiate a process of assistance. Only the objective of providing help with urgent problems is being achieved to a significant degree. The program can be effective only if alternatives to pretrial detention are developed which are effective in reducing the risk of recidivism in the short term while ensuring that suspects attend court hearings and meetings with the probation services. Arrangements for followup contacts should be definite, and procedures for early intervention and the preparation of pretrial reports should be coordinated to avoid delay. Eleven references are listed.