NCJ Number
128754
Date Published
1990
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Georgia's Statistical Analysis Bureau surveyed criminal justice practitioners to establish a research agenda defined by long-term interests of the entire criminal justice community.
Abstract
The survey questionnaire consisted of 26 questions that dealt with issues related to crime, process, system, and offender. Of 522 surveys sent out, 322 or 64 percent were returned. Respondents indicated a desire to obtain more information on what alternative works best in relation to offender type, why Georgia has a high incarceration rate, significant factors making parolees successful, what sentences and actual punishments are for different types of crime and for different parts of the State, and the impact of probation on offenders. Some responses highlighted specific questions for research, such as the effect of law enforcement consolidation on crime arrest and conviction rates or the effect of plea bargaining in assault cases on the likelihood of future assaults. Other responses suggested long-term projects, such as developing a statewide tracking system for career criminals. Criminal justice practitioners indicated that research should focus primarily on system issues, followed by process, crime, and offender issues, respectively. A technical appendix contains additional information on the survey methodology and a list of suggestions for further research. 5 tables