NCJ Number
190645
Date Published
July 2001
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the operation of the Red Hook, NY, Community Justice Center from its beginning on April 5, 2000, with emphasis on the period January-June 2001, and concludes that the Center has experienced numerous successes and has grown both as a criminal justice agency and as a vital resource to the community.
Abstract
About 90 percent of the more than 5,000 cases arraigned by the Kings County District Attorney’s (KCDA) office since the Center began have remained at the Center. The caseload has grown significantly over the last 15 months. The disposition rate has increased from 46 percent in the first term to 65 percent over the last 6 months. One of the most significant reasons for the high disposition rate is the myriad alternative sentences and sanctions that are readily available and easy to use. Most of these alternative sentences are available on site. These include mediation, community services, drug treatment, youth court, adult education, parenting classes, marijuana groups, and a life-mapping course. In addition, all staff members of the KCDA have become increasingly involved in community relations through attending precinct counsel meetings and other community-based meetings. The Red Hook Public Safety Corps has been an integral part of the courthouse and community and has been responsible for more than 450,000 hours of service to the community. Sixty-seven percent of the defendants arraigned during January-June 2001 received an alternative mandate consisting of a combination of social service, drug treatment, or community service. The compliance rate was 75-77 percent. Drug treatment is a major program and efforts are under way to improve participation and compliance. An integrated approach to community and courtroom relations has proven effective; the relationship with the New York Police Department continues to flourish. Tables and attached newspaper clipping