National Symposium on Pretrial Services 1978 - Intake Center Concepts, Parts 1 and 2

• NCJ Number: 81933
• Author(s): J Galvin; B Beaudin
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 0 pages
• Grant Number(s): 76-ED-99-0031
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Publication Format: Film
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. 2 videotapes, total running time 1 hour, 18 minutes, color, 1 inch tape - Symposium held in San Diego, California on April 3-5, 1978. See NCJ-81922-81937 for videotapes and NCJ-52200 for published proceedings.

Annotation

A central intake center offers the potential for increased efficiency and effectiveness in processing a defendant through the criminal justice system up to the time of trial.

Abstract

One interviewer at the center could process the defendant shortly after arrest. The information collected would be the basis for decisions on release, diversion, referrals, and appointment of counsel. It would enable the arresting officer to immediately review the case with the prosecutor to ensure early elimination of charges that are not legally sufficient. However, debate over the confidentiality of this information, the lack of resources, and jurisdictional disputes may present problems. Although the creation of intake centers presents risks for increased coerciveness and control within the criminal justice system, the participating groups (police, corrections, public defenders, the courts, etc.) would be reluctant to relinquish the control necessary to see the concept realized. Questions and answers conclude the discussion. The speaker is the director of the American Justice Institute's study on alternatives to jail.