The methodology and findings are presented for a needs assessment survey of criminal justice practitioners throughout Idaho, in order to identify gaps in criminal justice funding and other resources.
Based on a response rate of 31.2 percent (n=379), the report identifies criminal justice needs for adults and juveniles, with attention to resources, programs, and other factors that may reduce substance abuse/crime and promote community partnerships. Questions on adult substance abuse issues pertained to abuse prevalence and criminal justice responses and needs, with attention to specific drugs, including alcohol. Questions on adult crime issues focused on the prevalence of 12 offenses, including spousal/dating violence, child neglect/abuse and elder abuse, cybercrime, sexual/violent crimes, gang-related issues, identity theft, and other property crimes. Questions on juvenile substance use focused on the prevalence of various types of substance abuse known to be preferred by juveniles. Questions on the prevalence of various types of juvenile offenses included spousal/dating violence, sexual crimes, gang-related and violent crimes, dropping out of school, identity theft, and other property crimes. The survey section on resources addressed the extent to which various types of resources have increased or decreased, with attention to funding and training for substance abuse prevention and treatment, mental health services, and other changes in criminal justice resources related to various issues. Survey questions also related to the number and nature of programs for substance abuse treatment and prevention, as well as crime prevention in general. Another section of the survey addressed the nature and effectiveness of interactions between criminal justice and other community organizations in various areas of public safety. Questions on work-specific needs were addressed to the following criminal justice practitioners: law enforcement, judges, public defenders, prosecutors, parole officers, and probation officers. The survey also had a section for "Open Comments" on various subjects. Appended tables and figures