NCJ Number
173430
Date Published
1998
Length
47 pages
Annotation
A 2-day symposium sponsored by the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs focused on rural areas' needs and issues related to criminal justice; Federal, State, and local solutions to address these needs; and ways by which the Office of Justice Programs can enhance its partnerships with rural jurisdictions.
Abstract
Participants included representatives from national organizations related to criminal justice, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, drug treatment providers, victim service professionals, tribal representatives, police personnel, researchers, and elected officials. The participants were divided into five working groups to identify resource needs, obstacles, and solutions; to identify existing resources; and to develop an action plan for achieving justice in rural communities. The groups focused on domestic violence, law enforcement, victim assistance, juvenile justice, and drug abuse. The working groups recommended increased collaboration among criminal justice, social service, and community agencies; more opportunities for training, particularly cross-training; and the expanded use of technology both for training and to overcome the problems associated with the geographic isolation of rural communities. They also recommended recognition of the unique nature of rural communities and efforts to promote greater understanding of the cultural diversity that characterizes most rural and tribal areas. Further recommended actions included simplifying the grant process; allocating and targeting funding resources to meet rural needs; conducting research and evaluation directed specifically at rural programs; and involving the community in rural criminal justice systems to promote understanding and ways to address the unique nature of rural crimes. Appended agenda and list of participants