NCJ Number
47031
Date Published
1977
Length
13 pages
Annotation
THE POSITION OF THE CALIFORNIA PROBATION, PAROLE...AND CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION (CPPCA) REGARDING THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM TO VICTIMS AND WITNESSES IS SET FORTH.
Abstract
IT IS FIRST POINTED OUT THAT APPROXIMATELY $15 BILLION IS SPENT ANNUALLY TO APPREHEND, PROSECUTE, DEFEND, AND TREAT OFFENDERS, WHILE LESS THAN ONE PERCENT OF THIS AMOUNT IS USED TO ASSIST VICTIMS OF CRIMES. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THIS SITUATION IS AN INEQUITABLE ONE, AND THAT CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ADDRESSING THE INEQUITY. GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR CHANGE ARE SUGGESTED. AREAS IN WHICH CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES FAIL TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS AND NEEDS OF WITNESSES ARE NOTED AS WELL. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL COORDINATING PERSON OR AGENCY -- A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE ORGANIZATION THAT IS INDEPENDENT AND PROJECT ORIENTED -- TO FACILITATE VICTIM/WITNESS AID IN CALIFORNIA IS URGED. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POLICE, DISTRICT ATTORNEYS, COURTS, PROBATION DEPARTMENTS, AND STATE AGENCIES IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF VICTIMS AND WITNESSES ARE SPECIFIED. SOURCES OF CALIFORNIA AND NATIONAL INFORMATION ON VICTIM AND WITNESS ASSISTANCE ARE LISTED. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CPPCA TASK FORCE ON VICTIMS AND WITNESSES AND A LIST OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE INCLUDED. (LKM)