NCJ Number
84894
Date Published
1981
Length
121 pages
Annotation
Since January 1974, Dutch law has provided that rehabilitation (probation and parole) agencies can provide early assistance for certain suspects held at police stations. This study examined the implementation of early intervention procedures in jurisdictions throughout the Netherlands and the extent to which they were meeting intended program objectives.
Abstract
The study consisted of three phases, beginning with program organization in various districts and the services provided. The second stage covered the views of service providers involved (i.e., the social workers, members of the judiciary, and police officials). In the third research phase, suspects will be interviewed about their experiences with the program. This report concerns results of the second phase, for which information was collected by questionnaire from 255 rehabilitation workers, 46 public prosecutors, 30 examining magistrates, and from group discussions with officers at several police departments. Results revealed increasing early intervention at police stations, with 55 percent of detained adults being assisted at the arrest stage. Both rehabilitation workers and judicial officers considered the intervention worthwhile, especially when assistance with detainees' immediate problems could be provided. Rehabilitation workers are experiencing better relationships with the judiciary than they do with the police. Agreement on the objectives and importance of the early intervention program remains to be reached with the police. Decisions regarding the effectiveness of the program await completion of the third research phase. Tabular data, an English summary, footnotes, and 15 references are given. For reports of study phases 1 and 3, see NCJ 73791 and NCJ 84881.