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CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM - A VIEW FROM THE OUTSIDE

NCJ Number
6817
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: (JANUARY 1972) Pages: 23-29
Author(s)
T M THOMPSON
Date Published
1972
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A BUSINESSMAN CHARACTERIZES THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AS A NONSYSTEM.
Abstract
THE FAILURE OF THE NONSYSTEM TO PREVENT AND CONTROL CRIME IS ATTRIBUTED TO SEPARATISM. EACH PART PLANS AND CONDUCTS ITS ACTIVITIES IN A VACUUM, OBLIVIOUS TO THE PROBLEMS OF THE OTHER PARTS. THE PLANNING, RESEARCH, AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING NEEDED TO HANDLE THE ADMINISTRATION OF LARGE SYSTEMS IS INADEQUATE. THE NONSYSTEM'S PREOCCUPATION WITH VICTIMLESS CRIME DEFLECTED MANPOWER AND RESOURCES AND DISTORTED PRIORITIES. THE MOST IMMEDIATE NEEDS OF THE NONSYSTEM ARE SEEN AS INTERDEPARTMENTAL AND INTER-AGENCY COOPERATION AND COMMUNICATIONS.