NCJ Number
152866
Date Published
1994
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This analysis of crime committed by aliens in the United States uses a systems approach and emphasizes public policies and legislation, as well as alternative strategies across the criminal justice system for criminal alien identification and intervention.
Abstract
Study information came from literature reviews and onsite interviews with criminal justice systems working in law enforcement, corrections, treatment, probation, and parole at the Federal, State, and local levels in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. Data collected from previous research in the New York and South Carolina criminal justice systems were also included in the study. The literature and policy review revealed a pattern of responses to this problem which have yet to produce publicly acceptable results. Although legislation supports the deportation of aliens for several criminal offenses, the Immigration and Naturalization Service is severely hampered by a lack of resources and the magnitude of the problem. Further analysis also revealed that strong relationships and effective systems must be developed between Federal, State, and local justice agencies to effectively reduce the impact of criminal aliens on the justice system. A sequential and incremental approach is recommended, which should be carefully evaluated for its productivity and cost-effectiveness. While implementation costs might increase, these increases must be measured against the anticipated cost savings accrued by the total criminal justice system and the public. The public would probably support such a systems approach. Figure, appended background information, and 29 references