NCJ Number
80953
Date Published
1980
Length
359 pages
Annotation
Methodology and findings are presented from a study that examined factors affecting the quality of police arrests (rate of conviction) in seven jurisdictions, the percentage of officers making the majority of quality arrests, and the officers' characteristics and techniques related to a high rate of quality arrests.
Abstract
Analysis of 1977-1978 cases from arrest to disposition was conducted for the following jurisdictions, using data from the Prosecutor's Management Information System: Cobb County, Ga.; Indianapolis; Los Angeles County; Manhattan; New Orleans; Salt Lake County, Utah; and Washington, D.C. Interviews with police officers were used to identify special techniques used by arresting officers to ensure a quality arrest. Arrest quality, as measured by acceptance for prosecution and overall conviction rate, was found to vary widely between jurisdictions, ranging from a low of 31 percent of all arrests presented to a high of 84 percent. Factors found to influence conviction rates were the number of quality of witnesses, the amount and quality of evidence, and the response time (length of time between the crime commission and the arrest). A small percentage of officers in each jurisdiction was found to make the majority of quality arrests. Officers' personal and demographic characteristics and length of service were not found to influence arrest quality. Techniques were the most important factor, especially persistence in finding and interviewing witnesses and in supporting witnesses through the trial, as well as attentive to gathering and maintaining evidence. Recommendations are offered for improving arrest quality, notably, improved training of officers, more incentives for quality arrests, and improved communication between the prosecutor's office and the police department regarding ways to improve the likelihood of convictions. Tabular data and 19 references are provided. For the report's executive summary, see NCJ 80954.