NCJ Number
58624
Date Published
1977
Length
24 pages
Annotation
RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO THE ISSUES AND PROBLEMS ENTAILED IN OPERATING AND IMPLEMENTING OFFICERS' COMPENSATION PROGRAMS ARE DISCUSSED AND PASSAGE OF A VICTIMS' COMPENSATION BILL IN GEORGIA IS ENCOURAGED.
Abstract
A SPECIAL STATE COMMITTEE CHARGED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF DETERMINING THE FEASIBILITY OF VICTIMS' COMPENSATION STUDIED PROGRAMS IN OTHER STATES; HEARINGS WERE THEN HELD IN GEORGIA TO DETERMINE HOW CITIZENS FEEL ABOUT THE PASSAGE OF SIMILAR LEGISLATION. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT 20 STATES HAVE ESTABLISHED PROGRAMS TO COMPENSATE PEOPLE WHO ARE INJURED BY CRIMINAL ACTS. THESE PROGRAMS COMPENSATE ONLY INNOCENT VICTIMS OF CRIME, PAY COMPENSATION ONLY IF THE VICTIM IS PHYSICALLY INJURED OR HAS DIED, AND DO NOT COMPENSATE FOR CRIMES INVOLVING PROPERTY LOSS. POLICY ISSUES WHICH WERE EXAMINED BY THE COMMITTEE INCLUDED ELIGIBILITY, FILING PROCEDURES, ADMINISTRATION, AMOUNT OF PAYMENT, FUNDING, AND PENALTIES FOR FRAUD. IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT THE CITIZENS OF GEORGIA DO WANT A CRIME VICTIM PROGRAM. CONSEQUENTLY, THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THE PASSAGE OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ESTABLISH SUCH A PROGRAM, AND OF A BILL SETTING FORTH ITS PROVISIONS. SPECIFIED IN THE BILL ARE DECLARATION OF PURPOSE AND LEGISLATIVE INTENT, DEFINITIONS, CREATION OF THE CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION BOARD, POWERS OF THE BOARD, ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARDS, CLAIM FILING PROCEDURES, AND PROCEDURES FOR DECISIONS ON CLAIMS. THE THRUST OF THE BILL IS BEST EXPRESSED IN THE DECLARATION OF PURPOSE AND LEGISLATIVE INTENT SECTION. IT STATES, 'THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RECOGNIZES THAT MANY INNOCENT PERSONS SUFFER PERSONAL PHYSICAL INJURY OR DEATH AS A RESULT OF CRIMINAL ACTS OR IN THEIR EFFORTS TO PREVENT CRIME OR APPREHEND PERSONS COMMITTING OR ATTEMPTING TO COMMIT CRIMES...THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FINDS AND DETERMINES THAT THERE IS A NEED FOR GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO SUCH VICTIMS OF CRIME.' FULL TEXTS OF THE RESOLUTION AND PROPOSED BILL ARE INCLUDED. (LWM)