NCJ Number
154532
Journal
Intergovernmental Perspective Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring 1993) Pages: 32-35
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
States are taking the lead in working with counties, cities, and municipalities to define statewide crime problems and to develop crime control objectives.
Abstract
States are also forging new relationships with the Federal Government to expedite their new strategies and programs, realizing that the crime problem involves Federal, State, and local levels of government. The recent trend toward placing certain crimes under Federal jurisdiction that have generally been prosecuted at State and local levels is of concern to some State and local officials. Because these crimes have high visibility, some believe that a Federal solution is appropriate. However, placing the crimes under Federal jurisdiction not only destroys the system of Federal-State relations but also denies primary responsibility to officials who are closer to the crimes. Another concern in the area of intergovernmental crime control is the process by which Congress authorizes a new program without appropriating funds for its implementation. Crime control proposals of State governors are described that focus on funding, sentencing, handgun access, police-community partnerships, carjacking, bias-motivated crime, drunk driving, and juvenile justice. The need for a Federal-State partnership to prevent crime is discussed.