NCJ Number
5116
Journal
Wisconsin Law Review Issue: 2 Dated: (1972) Pages: 382-417
Date Published
1972
Length
35 pages
Annotation
FIELD RELEASE OF CRIMINAL SUSPECTS IN MISDEMEANOR CASES INITIATED BY POLICE LENDS FLEXIBILITY TO THE PRETRIAL CRIMINAL PROCESS.
Abstract
THE GOALS FOR THIS NEW HAVEN PROGRAM WERE - THE REDUCTION OF NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES TO SUSPECTS STEMMING FROM ARREST AND DETENTION, REDUCTION OF THE INEFFICIENCY INVOLVED IN TRANSPORTING EVERY OFFENDER TO A POLICE DETENTION FACILITY, AND IMPROVEMENT OF POLICE-COMMUNITY RELATIONS. THE FIELD RELEASE CITATION PROGRAM WAS DESIGNED TO SUPPLEMENT STATION HOUSE RELEASE PROCEDURES. DURING THE 12-MONTH EVALUATION PERIOD IN NEW HAVEN MOST ARRESTS WERE STILL MADE USING THE TRADITIONAL PROCESS. STANDARDS WERE PROVIDED TO GUIDE THE DECISION OF WHETHER TO ISSUE A CITATION, BUT THE PROGRAM HEAVILY RELIED ON POLICE DISCRETION. THE PROGRAM WAS EVALUATED AS BOTH WORKABLE AND EFFECTIVE IN EASING POLICE-COMMUNITY TENSION. THE APPENDIX INCLUDES THE GENERAL ORDER FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF POLICE SERVICE WHICH OUTLINES THE MISDEMEANOR CITATION ARREST PROCEDURE.