NCJ Number
77674
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Emphasizing that crime affects all citizens regardless of race or social standing and that crime can occur anywhere, this film discusses the causes of crime, explains how the criminal justice system operates, and highlights a crime prevention program aimed at reducing crime at the local level.
Abstract
Brief descriptions are given of the police, prosecution, defense, probation and parole, and diversion programs. The film notes that prison overcrowding is a major problem, citing the example of the circuit court in Washington, D.C., where 17 judges are assigned to criminal cases, and 8,191 major crime indictments are currently pending in court. In addition, over half the number of prisoners released return to prison, and there are seven times more juvenile crimes than adult crimes. The film suggests that these problems cannot be solved by government alone; they require the coordinated efforts of concerned citizens, such as the General Federation of Women's Clubs which has developed a program called 'Hands Up' to reduce crime on the local level. Under this program, citizens contribute to summit meetings until a consensus is reached concerning community crime prevention goals. The film depicts the proceedings of a conference in which the 'Hands Up' group met to develop its goals and make recommendations.