NCJ Number
52946
Date Published
1977
Length
0 pages
Annotation
POLICE USE OF DEADLY FORCE AND PROSECUTION'S USE OF PLEA BARGAINING ARE DISCUSSED IN THIS COMPONENT OF THE FILM STRIP AND AUDIOCASSETTE SERIES ON LAW AND CRIME.
Abstract
INTERVIEWS WITH POLICE OFFICERS WHO HAVE CONFRONTED ARMED CRIMINALS, AND WHO HAVE BEEN INJURED IN THE LINE OF DUTY, INDICATE THAT POLICE LAW ENFORCEMENT REQUIRES SOME PROVISION FOR THE LEGAL USE OF FORCE. HOWEVER, POLICE POWER IN INVESTIGATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT IS LIMITED BY THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE. RATHER THAN CURTAIL POLICE EFFECTIVENESS, POLICE CONCERN WITH THE VINDICATION OF CITIZENS' RIGHT SERVES TO IMPROVE THE POLICE DEPARTMENTS BY COMPELLING THEM TO ACT IN A PROFESSIONAL AND EXPERT MANNER. SINCE THE COURTS HAVE ENFORCED THE BILL OF RIGHTS, THE POLICE HAVE NECESSARILY IMPROVED THEIR TACTICS AND INVESTIGATIONS. POLICE AGENCIES OUGHT TO BE FULLY ACCOUNTABLE TO THE CITIZENS BEING SERVED. ON ANOTHER LEVEL IS PLEA BARGAINING. THIS CONCEPT WHICH ALLOWS A SUSPECT TO ACCEPT PUNISHMENT FOR A LESS SERIOUS CHARGE RATHER THAN TO GO THROUGH TRIAL PROCESS SERVES TO ECONOMIZE THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE. ABUSES ARISING BECAUSE OF PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT OF PROSECUTORS, ATTORNEYS, AND OFFENDERS ARE INFREQUENT AND SHOULD NOT INFLUENCE THE EXISTENCE OF BARGAINING. INTERVIEWS WITH DEFENSE ATTORNEYS DO INDICATE, HOWEVER, THAT OFFENDERS HAVE BEEN PENALIZED WITH LONGER SENTENCES WHEN THEY CHOOSE TO HAVE JURY TRIALS. NO REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (TWK).