NCJ Number
79788
Date Published
1981
Length
291 pages
Annotation
Recommendations for the phase I task force report are reviewed, and testimony is given by attorneys and law enforcement and education officials in Illinois on the violent crime problem, particularly among juveniles; measures the Federal Government can take to aid the States in combating such crime; and law reform issues.
Abstract
Recommendations reviewed include the use of abandoned military facilities to site State and local correctional institutions, FBI establishment of the Interstate Identification Index, the establishment of law enforcement coordinating committees in each Federal district, and others. Speakers call for additional funds for victim crime compensation programs, laws to protect witnesses, and more funds to help violent juvenile offenders. The need for improved juvenile justice standards is addressed, and it is suggested that an entity like the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention should exist within the Department of Justice to operate with modest funds in the areas of standards, removal from jail, youth education, and research. Community action programs to prevent juvenile delinquency in the school system are advocated on the model of the local Teenage Liquor Concern Committee, a parent group working to educate the public and students about the dangers of alcohol. Juvenile recidivism rates, sex differences in juvenile delinquency rates, and other studies on juvenile crime are cited; they illustrate that juvenile criminal careers should be considered when planning for social intervention. A former youth gang member discusses the organization and structure of a typical juvenile gang and suggests measures to wean away such youths from the gangs. Juvenile awareness programs, school delinquency prevention programs, and nationwide public service for all youths are favored over government prosecution of youth gangs which is often ineffective. Another speaker encourages the task force to press for reforms if existing legislation instead of passing new laws and to encourage intergovernmental cooperation. Crime prevention and victim assistance activities of the Chicago Police Department are also reviewed. No references are cited.