NCJ Number
171793
Date Published
1996
Length
80 pages
Annotation
This British paper intends to promote debate about the nature and causes of crime; the means of preventing it and mitigating its effects; the purpose, operation, and effectiveness of the criminal justice process; and the treatment of juvenile offenders.
Abstract
Four themes are developed from this analysis of the British criminal justice system. First, the government, criminal justice agencies, and the courts should recognize that the criminal justice system must be accountable not only to central government but also to the local communities it serves. Second, the criminal justice system needs more effective coordination within itself and with other services and agencies whose work is crucial to its effectiveness. Third, structures and procedures must be established to ensure that the system's accountability and coordination is effective and that decisions are made on the basis of accurate information and analysis. Coordination is needed at three levels: politically and strategically at the level of the central government, professionally and managerially at the service level, and operationally between individual teams and practitioners. Fourth, the efficiency of the system and the quality of justice depend on the commitment and skill of first- line staff and on the nature of their professional and working relationships. 200 references