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AMERICAN FEDERALISM - INTO THE THIRD CENTURY - ITS AGENDA

NCJ Number
15897
Author(s)
R L STANFIELD
Editor(s)
W G COLMAN
Date Published
1974
Length
42 pages
Annotation
RECOMMENDATIONS TO REVITALIZE LOCAL GOVERNMENT, BUILD STRONGER STATES, ACHIEVE BALANCED GROWTH AND HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, AND STREAMLINE AND HUMANIZE THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE.
Abstract
RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE AREA OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE INCLUDE THE UPGRADING OF POLICE PERSONNEL PRACTICES BY SETTING MINIMUM STATE STANDARDS FOR RECRUITMENT AND OFFERING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING FOR LOCAL FORCES, STATE EXPANSION OF THE FULL RANGE OF SUPPORTIVE SERVICES TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND THE CREATION OF SPECIALIZED STRIKE FORCES TO OPERATE IN SPECIFIC AREAS. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT FAIR AND EFFECTIVE PROSECUTION IN STATES WOULD BE ENHANCED BY STRENGTHENING THE AUTHORITY OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO COORDINATE THE ACTIVITIES OF LOCAL PROSECUTORS AND PRESCRIBE MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR PROSECUTORS. A UNIFIED COURT SYSTEM IS RECOMMENDED FOR STATES, WHICH WOULD SPECIFY JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS, MODERNIZE METHODS OF SELECTION, AND PROVIDE FOR CENSURE AND REMOVAL, AS WELL AS ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR COURT FINANCING AND PROVIDE FOR PROFESSIONAL COURT ADMINISTRATORS. EXPANDED STATE AUTHORITY IN THE ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION OF CORRECTIONS, WITH EMPHASIS ON REHABILITATION AND TRAINING, IS RECOMMENDED.