NCJ Number
69242
Date Published
1979
Length
168 pages
Annotation
RECOMMENDATIONS ARE PRESENTED FOR IMPROVING SELECTED ASPECTS OF OKLAHOMA'S CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
Abstract
THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE DEVELOPED BY SUBCOMMITTEES OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. INCLUDED IN THE COMMITTEE'S REPORT ARE A SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS, SYNOPSES OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS, AND INDIVIDUAL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS. THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON SECURITY OF FACILITIES DEALS PRIMARILY WITH IMPLEMENTATION OF A COURT ORDER RELATING TO STATE PENAL SYSTEM OVERCROWDING, CONDITIONS OF CONFINEMENT, HEALTH CARE, AND INMATE ACCESS TO COURTS. IT ALSO DEALS WITH RACIAL SEGREGATION AND DISCRIMINATION, USE OF FORCE, DUE PROCESS, RELIGIOUS PRACTICES, AND MAIL AND PUBLICATIONS. THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ALTERNATIVES TO INSTITUTIONALIZATION PRESENTS RECOMMENDATIONS PERTAINING TO PAROLE PROCEDURES, WEEKEND INCARCERATION PROGRAMS, ADAPTATION OF THE MINNESOTA COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS STRATEGY, AND DUE PROCESS RIGHTS OF INMATES ALLEGED TO REQUIRE PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT. A THIRD SUBCOMMITTEE ADDRESSES THE NEED FOR VICTIM COMPENSATION AND RESTITUTION PROGRAMS, AS WELL AS CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS AND COMMUNITY-BASED TREATMENT FOR OFFENDERS. THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE STATE HIGHWAY PATROL DISCUSSES THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE PATROL CONSTITUTES A STATE POLICE AGENCY. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT THE AUTHORITY OF THE PATROL IS NARROWER THAN THAT OF A STATE POLICE AGENCY, AND THAT IMPROVEMENTS IN COUNTY SHERIFF TRAINING, STAFF, COMPENSATION, AND EQUIPMENT WILL OBVIATE THE NEED FOR SUCH AN AGENCY. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION IS PROVIDED.