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C 5700.3 C979j 1992/93 c.5 Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center Report to the 44th Oklahoma Legislature May 1993 Table of contents Letter of Transmittal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. i Oklahoma Criminal Justice System Task Force Membership. . • . . ii Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . iii Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center . . . . . . . . . .. 1 Oklahoma Criminal Justice Research Consortium • . . . . . . .• 3 Grants Clearinghouse. . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . 6 Law Enforcement Information Network with Corrections. • . . .• 8 Criminal Justice Student Intern Program . . . • . . . . . . . . 10 2nd Annual Governor's Conference on Community Response to Crime . . • • . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Serious Habitual Juvenile Offender Program Implementation Task Force. • . . • . . . . . . • . . 12 Safety and Security Cabinet Study . . . . . • • . . • . . . . • 13 1993 Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Attachments Listing . . . . . . . . . • • . . . . . . . . • . . 20 ]l{nus£ nf 11tepr£s£ntatiu£s STATE OF OKLAHOMA l\fEMORANDUM TO: Speaker Glen D. Johnson President Pro Tempore Robert V. Cullison FROM: Representative Larry Rice Senator Ben Brown DATE: May 20,1993 RE: Oklahoma Criminal Justice System Task Force Annual Report Dear Speaker Johnson and President Pro Tempore Cullison: On behalf of the members of the Oklahoma Criminal Justice System Task Force Committee, we hereby submit to you our annual report. This report summarizes projects of the task force in its 5th year of work. The task force was created per House Concurrent Resolution No. 1044 of the 1st session of the 41st Oklahoma Legislature and re-created and reorganized per House Concurrent Resolution No. 1090. The task force was formed to study the criminal justice system in Oklahoma. The task force seeks to identify areas within the criminal justice system which are in need of major improvement and to develop and implement strategies to address those areas of need in order to improve the criminal justice system. In July of 1990, the task force became the policy and advisory board for the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center, the state criminal justice Statistical Analysis Center. The resource center has been able to implement a number of task force agendas during the first 3 years of our new cooperative relationship. The task force continues its efforts to study criminal justice issues and to take concrete action on improving public protection by seeking a more efficient and effective criminal justice system. Senator Ben Brown Vice Chairman Oklahoma Criminal Justice System Task Force Membership Legislative Members House of Representatives Senate Larry Rice Dwayne Steidley Ben Brown Herb Rozell Gerald IIGedll Wright Nonlegislative Members (per House Resolution 1090) Larry A. Fields Sandy Howard Tom Kemper J. H. Kennedy, Jr. David R. McBride Robert Sanders Bruce Walker Director, Department of Corrections Assistant Attorney General Director, Commission on Children and Youth Secretary of State Commissioner, Department of Public Safety Executive Director, Pardon and Parole Board Executive Coordinator, District Attorneys Council Nonlegislative Members (Appointed by House and Senate) * Rosie Brown Louis Bullock Sam Gonzales Bob Macy John Maley Richard Miller Jerry Pogue League of Women Voters Attorney at Law Chief of Police, Oklahoma City Oklahoma County District Attorney District Judge, Okmulgee County District Judge, Marshall County Tulsa Tribune *The task force accepted, with great regret, the resignation of Rosie Brown in December 1992. Mrs. Brown made significant contributions to the task force and will be missed. Special Members Bob Gillian Stanley Glanz Bob Hicks Cal Hobson Bruce Storm President, Chiefs of Police Association Tulsa County Sheriff Director, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Oklahoma State senator Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association Oklahoma criminal Justice Resource Center Staff (Support Members) Cliff Sandel Les Crabtree Fran Ferrari Bill Huntington Donna Speer Acting Director Administrator Research Coordinator Grants Coordinator LINC Coordinator ii Executive Summary The Oklahoma Criminal Justice System Task Force was created in June 1988 by the Oklahoma legislature to make recommendations concerning needed legislation, the potential impact of existing and proposed legislation, and the impact of agency policies which affect the criminal justice system. The task force serves as the governing body of the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center. Oklahoma's Statistical Analysis Center (SAC), which was established on August 1, 1989, was named the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center effective July 1, 1990. Partially funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, the resource center serves all levels of government, as well as the public, by collecting and analyzing state criminal justice data to assist policy makers. During calendar year 1992 the Oklahoma Criminal Justice System Task Force and the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center supported a number of criminal justice programs and projects to enhance the collection and dissemination of criminal justice information in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Criminal Justice Research Consortium was established to facilitate assessment and evaluation of state and federally funded justice programs. Members of Oklahoma's academic community interested in the research of criminal justice issues joined criminal justice professionals committed to the collection, analysis, and dissemination of criminal justice information. The research consortium advised the Oklahoma Department of Corrections in the award of research grants and assisted corrections in grant management. These grants address issues critical to Oklahoma criminal justice policy makers. Findings and reports will be available to policy makers by mid-1993. A Grants Clearinghouse was established in the fall of 1992. The purposes of the clearinghouse are to develop grant, gift, and nontraditional funding sources; develop grantsmanship capabilities within agencies; secure grants, gifts and nontraditional funds; and coordinate grant efforts between agencies. Initial accomplishments include the formation of grants teams in several agencies, training in grantsmanship methods and procedures, and establishment of a grants reference library in the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center. iii The Law Enforcement Information Network with Corrections (LINe) project was expanded, now serving more than 350 state and local law enforcement agencies. The capabilities of the program have been enhanced to provide additional offender information to user agencies. A Criminal Justice Student Intern Program was initiated to provide students the opportunity to apply theories and principles learned in the classroom to the research and evaluation of criminal justice issues. Students are exposed to a broad range of statistics, research, and data sources available from criminal justice and public administration agencies and practitioners. This innovative effort benefits the participating institutions, the criminal justice community, and the student interns. -_.- The 2nd Annual Governor's Conference on CcmImunityResponse to Crime welcomed more than 350 criminal justice professionals, local and state officials, educators, civic leaders, and private citizens. The conference provided participants a forum to share views on criminal :justice issues. Participants were asked to identify critical issues and propose possible solutions. These ideas were recorded and analyzed to be presented during a follow-up session early in 1993. The issues were to be ranked and used to formulate recommendations for the criminal justice legislative agenda for 1993 and 1994. The Serious Habitual Juvenile Offender Program Implementation Task Force continued to develop strategic and tactical plans to curtail the growing incidence of juvenile crime in Oklahoma. A primary focus has been finding a procedure by which law enforcement agencies can access information to identify serious and habitual juvenile offenders. Muchprogress has been made by the task force. A Safety and Security Cabinet Study was initiated to study agency policies, procedures, and programs with the purpose of improving the criminal justice system in Oklahoma. Reports of findings were presented to Safety and Security Cabinet Secretary David R. McBride late in 1992. The recommendations are under review and will be presented to appropriate decision makers in 1993. The Criminal Justice System Task Force 1993 Strategy is to improve criminal justice systems by fostering cooperative efforts and communications between criminal justice agencies. The task force will continue to enhance the availability, quality, and accessibility of criminal justice data. To accomplish this strategy, the task force and the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center will focus their efforts in three primary areas. Information integration will enhance the potential utility for criminal justice agencies. The strategy will be to promote information sharing, exchange of expertise, and systems integration. Research expansion includes expansion of the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Research Consortium and the Student Intern Program. The primary strategy to expand the consortium will be to facilitate coordination between the consortium and state and local law enforcement agencies. Expansion of the intern program will be accomplished by coordinating additional internship opportunities iv with existing and additional higher education institutions which are not currently involved. Grants maximization strategy will include the formalization of the grant seeking process and exploration of mutual interest areas where grant efforts may be coordinated and jointly pursued. A system to monitor grant efforts and assist law enforcement agencies in the pursuit of grants and gifts will be formalized. v Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center The Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center was established on August 1, 1989, as the Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) for Oklahoma. Following passage of House Bill 1952, the Oklahoma Criminal Justice System Task Force became the policy and advisory board for the resource center effective July 1, 1990. The resource center is partially funded by the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice statistics (BJS). BJS requires each SAC to be a nonpartisan professional organization which serves all branches of the criminal justice system and all levels of government in the state as well as the public, and to collect and analyze state criminal justice data to assist policy makers. This is the basis of the resource center's mission statement: The mission of the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center is to improve criminal justice information systems, data sharing, and data use. The purpose is to increase the availability of criminal justice data; to increase the accessibility to that data by a variety of federal, state, and local criminal justice decision makers; to improve the quality of information available; and to increase the ease with which the data are obtained. Oklahoma Statutes Title 57, Section 508.2 mandates that the resource center perform certain activities. 1. Provide a clearinghouse for criminal justice information. 2. Provide a central contact point for federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies. 3. Provide technical assistance for all criminal justice agencies of the state. 4. Provide consultation for criminal justice agencies in the state in preparing reports, gaining funding, or preparing information. 5. Require criminal justice agencies to contribute information for state analysis of criminal justice issues. 6. Collect and analyze criminal justice data. 7. Produce reports for state and local criminal justice agencies. 8. Facilitate information networking. 9. Attend state meetings concerning criminal justice. 10. Represent the state at national meetings or conferences of criminal justice statistics associations of other states. Following the guidance of the Criminal Justice System Task Force, the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center has been pro-active in the development and implementation of criminal justice information systems. The approach has been to assess criminal justice needs, research available information, facili tate information sharing, collect and summarize data, and encourage and assist with the development of information networks among criminal justice agencies. During 1992 the resource center was involved in a number of major • projects to improve collection and dissemination of criminal justice information. Some projects have been completed; some have been transferred to criminal justice agencies capable of sustaining and enhancing the programs; and still others are ongoing. The projects and programs supported by the task force and the resource center during calendar year 1992 are highlighted in this report. In accordance with the charge to the Criminal Justice System Task Force and the resource center mission, future activities will be oriented toward continuing to expand research and analysis capabilities, providing technical expertise in the gathering and dissemination of information, and offering technical assistance to law enforcement agencies. Programs being continued, as well as new programs and directions, are also described in this report. Russ Buchner, director of the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center since 1990, resigned in November 1992. Mr. Buchner was a dynamic member of the Oklahoma criminal justice community. He earned national recognition for his work in the Oklahoma criminal justice system and through his publications and work in various Bureau of Justice Statistics projects and programs. The Criminal Justice System Task Force commends Mr. Russ Buchner for his outstanding contributions to criminal justice in Oklahoma. 2 Oklahoma Criminal Justice Research Consortium The Oklahoma Criminal Justice Research Consortium was established in 1992 to facilitate assessment and evaluation of state and federally funded justice programs. Consortium members include college and university researchers and representatives of criminal justice agencies committed to collection, analysis, and dissemination of criminal justice information. (Current membership list is presented as Attachment A). Prior to the formation of the consortium, criminal justice data were fragmented among agencies with no common format, collection method, or dissemination vehicle. Late in 1991 the Department of Corrections received state funding for program evaluation related to corrections and prison overcrowding. Funding agencies were informed in advance that neither the resource center nor the Department of Corrections would have the resources to adequately complete the program assessments and that contractual agreements with universities would be required. To proceed, a formal relationship between the research community, criminal justice practitioners, and policy makers would be necessary. In May 1992 faculty of major research universities and colleges in Oklahoma were contacted about the concept of initiating a research consortium. The concept was warmly received and supported. In June an invitation announcing a meeting to lay the foundations for initiating a research consortium was distributed. Invitations were sent throughout the higher education community, with specific targeting of criminal justice researchers with varied academic disciplines. In July, 62 representatives from public and private colleges and universities throughout Oklahoma attended the first meeting. An executive committee was formed, which appointed sub-committees to study and develop mechanisms and guidelines to formalize the consortium. Following exceptional work by the sub-committees, the group met again in October to formalize the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Research Consortium. Several notable accomplishments have been realized in a few short months. Established membership and recruitment requirements which encourage membership from the academic community, state agencies, and policy and decision makers. 3 Drafted by-laws structured to ensure that research will meet generally accepted criteria and produce information necessary to user agencies and policy makers. Established a process for submission and review of proposals which ensures the quality of research and which meets the criteria of user agencies. Developed a list of research areas deemed appropriate for initial research, resul ting in the initial Request For Proposals (RFP). (Research areas are presented as Attachment B). Established a central clearinghouse for monitoring proposals and facilitating pre-review of proposals by the research community, prior to submitting to the funding agency for final approval. Developed and distributed a survey to the criminal justice community to establish priorities for issues to research in the future. (Research agenda survey questions are presented as Attachment C). Analysis of the survey has been completed and will be used to set the research agenda of the consortium in 1993. Late in the fall of 1992 the consortium issued RFP's for research into a series of critical issues identified as described above. Proposals were received and reviewed by December 1 and research contracts were issued in February 1993. (Research projects approved for funding are presented as Attachment D). The results, with recommendations, will be available to criminal justice decision makers in the summer of 1993, for consideration during the FY 94 and FY 95 planning process. During this same period, the resource center began a survey of state and local criminal justice agencies throughout Oklahoma. Professionals in corrections, law enforcement, juvenile justice, prosecution, judiciary, academic, and elected officials were asked specific questions about a wide range of criminal justice issues. Those surveyed were asked to identi:fy issues critical to their area of criminal justice and prioritize issues. (Law enforcement survey results are presented as Attachment E). The results of the survey were analyzed and ranked by level of interest, forming the basis for the research consortium agenda for the upcoming year. This agenda will be addressed by the research consortium. RFP's to investigate these issues will be issued in the summer of 1993. Funding for the initial research projects was appropriated to the Department of Corrections by the legislature during FY 92 for use in FY 93. Continuation of this funding is the critical factor in determining the scope of the research to be undertaken in FY 94. Funding availability will determine the number of issues which may be examined and the depth of the research. To further support the research consortium's efforts, the resource center has proposed restructuring of the annual SAC operating grant from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Under the restructuring formula, 97 percent of the $50,000 expected grant funds, or 4 $48,500, will be used to fund criminal justice research through the research consortium. The resource center provides administrative services required to support the research consortium. Resource center staff serve on various committees, including the executive and proposal review committees. Negotiation of research contracts is coordinated through the research consortium and the Department of Corrections, with the assistance of the resource center. As a part of each contract, the principle investigator agreed to provide results of the research and a complete data set to the resource center. Copies of research findings, data reports, and recommendations will be maintained in the resource center, forming a research library available for dissemination to all criminal justice agencies in Oklahoma and across the nation. OTJiikhunnlesnatDochievooccanmeetcamiRebvepeeCstrreiaaom1prfi9pcn9rhaa2ol.raaecnJshdue(sSaAtttrrioactcthieicdslceRteoceiniscsisesosiarorAptncsrihseumosmCaceokintniatosnteogiadr.ostnsaiisupsmuAtAbtwlstdaitaescacsathcptemruieiboanplngtti,eisnoFhTcn)ehi.deesoFifonirsuttmhha,een 5 Grants Clearinghouse In the spring of 1992 David R. McBride, cabinet secretary of Safety and Security, identified a need to pursue nontraditional sources of funding for criminal justice in Oklahoma. He asked the Criminal Justice Resource Center to coordinate an effort to establish a clearinghouse to assist the agencies of the Safety and Security Cabinet in pursuing these funds. In July 1992 a letter was sent to all Safety and Security agency heads announcing the reasons for and the intent of the clearinghouse. In September 1992 the resource center invited representatives of all Safety and Security Cabinet agencies to a meeting to discuss the project. Twenty-eight representatives of Safety and Security agencies responded to the invitation. During the initial meeting the purpose and goals and objectives were identified. Purpose - To assist Safety and Security Cabinet agencies: Develop nontraditional sources of funding. Develop grantsmanship capabilities within each agency. Secure grants, gifts, and nontraditional funding. Coordinate efforts between agencies to maximize federal, state, and nontraditional funding sources. Goals and Objectives Establish a grants resource center, to include: A reference library Grant proposal and review assistance Research and other technical assistance. Establish grant teams within each agency. Provide initial and sustainment grantsmanship training. Establish grant guidelines and standards. Current membership includes 33 individuals, representing 13 Safety and Security agencies, the Department of Health, and one local law enforcement agency. (Current membership roster is presented as Attachment G). The group set as ,its first priority the acquisition of the expertise necessary to write grant proposals. The services of a 6 noted grantsmanship writer and trainer, Dr. Deke Johnson, Oklahoma State University, were secured. A two-day grantsmanship training seminar, funded by the Department of Corrections, was presented to 27 individuals representing 11 agencies in October 1992. Following this seminar, seven agencies formed grant writing teams which consisted of two to six members each. The second critical priority was the establishment of a reference . library with descriptions of the grant sources available, including lists of grant resources, application and program requirements and procedures, and publications available for technical assistance. - Supported by funding from the Department of Corrections, the resource center began building the library in October 1992. Grant periodicals, grant program references, and lists of regional and national grant sources are now available. Information concerning library contents which highlight new acquisitions, is distributed quarterly to all members. Sustainment training has been accomplished by referring grantsmanship seminar announcements to members. In addition, each regular meeting includes presentations of short programs on topics which could be useful to members desiring to pursue grants. These programs have included such diverse topics as a discussion of the research consortium formation, capabilities, and directions. Writing and submitting grant proposals has remained with individual agencies. Experiments in coordination between agencies has been initiated in limited projects. Review of and technical assistance with grant proposals, prior to submission, has likewise been very limited. To accomplish the fourth goal, establishing grant guidelines and standards, the staff at the resource center have been researching other state's procedures, looking for models and procedures already in place which may be adapted for Oklahoma. In 1993 the primary focus of the clearinghouse will be to formalize procedures to further the aims established for the clearinghouse. 7 Law Enforcement Information Network with corrections The Law Enforcement Information Network with Corrections (LINC) is a criminal justice information system which includes information on all persons convicted of felonies in Oklahoma since 1979. Included in the system are persons receiving deferred or suspended probation sentences and those sentenced to incarceration, paroled, or otherwise released early from incarceration. Over 100,000 records are contained in the system. LINe is more than a name search system which provides felony conviction information. Law enforcement officials are able to conduct crime analysis using LINC data as well as generate crime suspect lists by zip code, county, or state wide. Habitual offenders can be identified by crime type. Offenders may be sorted by a number of variables including court number, number of felony convictions, or by appearance factor (eye color, height, etc.) Initially, the resource center provided information about the LINC project to every law enforcement agency in Oklahoma. The resource center secured a federal grant to provide 75 percent of the funding to facilitate the purchase of hardware and software necessary to join the system. Agencies could join the LINC system for an approximate $1,000 investment, matched with $3,000 in federal funding from the u.s. Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). During the first two years of the project, the resource center provided a "LINC Hot Line," assisting user agencies in the maintenance of the system and answering user's questions. The LINC system has grown to more than 350 user agencies. LINC is available in virtually every county and all major cities in Oklahoma. Local law enforcement offices, sheriffs, district attorneys, and several state and federal agencies are now "LINC'ed" with the Department of Corrections data resources. During 1992 an evaluation of the system was initiated. User agencies were asked what they needed from LINC: which capabilities currently available were most and least useful; what additional information would enhance utility; and to prioritize requested enhancements. The responses were evaluated and will be used to determine the future directions and additions to the system. Several requested enhancements are already in process. Among these are direct modem access with the Department of Corrections mainframe computer, additional data fields and information sorting capabilities, and new graphics capabilities, allowing the transmission of "mug shots" to user agencies. LINC has become an established program serving criminal justice agencies throughout Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections has provided the data and systems support from the 8 beginning. In keeping with the resource center's mission, assumption of responsibility for the LINC program systems by the Department of Corrections has been planned. The transition will be completed in April 1993. Corrections will provide support and maintenance directly to agency users, ending the resource center's involvement in the LINC project. Donna Speer, LINC coordinator, will move to the Department of Corrections with the LINC program. Ms. Speer has been a dynamic force in the LINC program implementation. Much of the success of the LINC program is due to her dedication and professionalism. She-is known throughout the Oklahoma law enforcement community as the "LINC Lady," providing technical assistance and advice to hundreds of users. The Criminal Justice System Task Force joins the resource center in commending Donna Speer for her diligence, dedication, and outstanding contributions to criminal justice. 9 Criminal Justice Student Intern Program In the fall of 1992 the resource center initiated a Criminal Justice Student Intern Program in a cooperative effort with colleges and universities in Oklahoma. Colleges and universities participating, to date, include the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City University, and the University of Central Oklahoma. Interns have been accepted from a myriad of disciplines, including political science, law enforcement, public administration, sociology, social work, and psychology. The student intern program provides first-hand experience to undergraduate and graduate students interested in researching and analyzing criminal justice issues. Students are exposed to a broad range of statistics, research, and data sources available from criminal justice and public administration agencies and practi tioners. Administered by the resource center research coordinator, Fran M. Ferrari, students have the opportunity to gather data, analyze that data, and assist with the preparation and dissemination of reports. In addition to hands-on experience, students are encouraged to attend resource center sponsored seminars. Presenters are professionals from a wide variety of criminal justice disciplines. Notable speakers include representatives from federal agencies, (Secret Service and Justice Research and Statistics Association) and state agencies (Alcohol Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission and the Department of Corrections). This innovative program has been well received by all parties. The interns have gained experience in research and analytical methodologies and report generation. Participating institutions have a vehicle to validate learning in the classroom through "hands on" experience. State agencies have benefitted from the research contributions of the students in the decision making process. This project clearly demonstrates the benefits of teaming higher education institutions with law enforcement in areas of mutual interest. Future plans include expansion of the program to additional colleges and universi ties. Interns will be exposed to current criminal justice issues and will be assigned to participate in various research projects sponsored by the research consortium. Representatives of additional state, local, and federal criminal justice agencies and legislative leaders will be invited to address the group. 10 2nd Annual Governor's Conference on Community Response to Crime The 2nd Annual Governor's Conference on Community Response to Crime was held in October 1992 in Tulsa. (Conference program is presented as Attachment H). More than 350 criminal justice professionals, local and state officials, educators, civic leaders, and private citizens attended the two-day event. Planning and coordination of the conference involved a cooperative effort between several state agencies and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. State agencies involved included the Department of Public Safety, Department of Corrections, office of Attorney General, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, District Attorneys Council, and the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center. Funding was provided by a Bureau of Justice Assistance grant through the Drug and Violent Crime Policy Board, private donations, and registration fees. Following Governor Walters' keynote address, the group participated in discussions and workshops covering a wide range of justice issues vital to communities. Nationally renowned speakers addressed such issues as the economic impact of crime on the community, creative approaches to prosecution, volunteerism, crime as a health issue, and understanding and dealing with differences between law-abiding citizens and criminals. Workshops included discussions of community issues, including community corrections programs, community and citizen policing, and information technology's usefulness in combatting violent crime. During the conference, attendees participated in a brainstorming session to identify criminal justice issues critical to Oklahoma's communities. Participants were asked to identify critical issues and propose possible solutions. These ideas were recorded and analyzed. During a follow-up session to be held in January 1993, the list will be prioritized. The prioritized issues and solutions will be used to formulate recommendations for the criminal justice legislative agenda for 1993 and 1994. The 3rd annual Governor's Conference is already being planned. Scheduled for mid-October 1993 in Oklahoma City, the conference will include follow-up of issues identified as critical during the previous conference and input from participants to improve and enhance the criminal justice system in Oklahoma. 11 Serious Habitual Juvenile Offender Program Implementation Task Force The Serious Habitual Juvenile Offender Program Implementation Task Force was formed in 1990 and charged to study the criminal justice system in Oklahoma as it relates to juvenile offenders. The task force membership includes representatives from state and local criminal justice agencies, Oklahoma Department of Human Services and other social and welfare agencies, Attorney General's office, legislative leaders, and private citizens. The task force is charged with developing both strategic and tactical plans to address the growing incidence of juvenile crime in Oklahoma and manage the growing population of serious and habitual juvenile offenders. Issues of concern include increased gang activity, higher incidence of violent crimes committed by youth, and the spread of drug related crimes among Oklahoma's youth. One of the primary critical needs is the ability for law enforcement agencies to identify serious and habitual juvenile offenders. To accomplish this, the task force has been working to make Department of Human Services (DHS) information available to criminal justice agencies while maintaining confidentiality of juvenile data. DHS and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) have been coordinating the transfer of information to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Tracking System (OLETS). Excellent progress has been made and testing is scheduled to begin in 1993. Other task force subcommittees are investigating issues in preparation for developing and forwarding recommendations to policy and decision makers concerning prevention and investigation of juvenile crime and the appropriate protocol to be followed once a youth enters the juvenile justice system. Preliminary research and analysis are nearing completion. Initial recommendations addressing strategic issues are expected during 1993. 12 Safety and Security Cabinet Study David R. McBride, cabinet secretary of Safety and Security, initiated a study of the Safety and Security Cabinet agencies. The study was to review separate agency policies, procedures, and programs; discuss possibilities for improving criminal justice systems in Oklahoma; and make recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of Oklahoma's criminal justice system. Areas reviewed included agency missions, goals and objectives, administration, fiscal procedures, agency operating programs, communications systems, and inter-agency programs and projects. Subcommittees were formed to investigate, in depth, a myriad of issues relating to these broad areas. Programs, procedures, and methods utilized by the various agencies, and similar agencies in other states, were reviewed. Reports were presented to Secretary McBride in late 1992. Proposals are under review and will be presented to appropriate decision makers in 1993. The staff of the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center express their appreciation to Secretary McBride for the opportunity to participate in this endeavor. 13 The 1993 strategy of the Criminal Justice System Task Force is to improve criminal justice systems by fostering cooperative efforts and communications between criminal justice agencies. In addition, the task force will work to enhance the availability, quality, and accessibility of criminal justice data. To accomplish this strategy, the task force and the resource center will focus their efforts in three primary areas: information integration, research expansion, and grants maximization. 1993 Strategy Information Integration Integration of criminal justice information systems will enhance the potential utility for criminal justice agencies. Federal and state agencies are developing excellent information systems. Examples of the programs in development or in use, are the Law Enforcement Information Network with Corrections (LINC), Juvenile On-Line Tracking System (JOLTS), the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), and the Offender Based Transaction Statistics (OBTS) system. Each of these programs has a specific purpose in assisting criminal justice agencies. To this end, the resource center will work with agencies to promote information sharing, expertise, and systems integration. In so doing, the availability of data for future research and evaluation will be enhanced. The Oklahoma Criminal Justice Research Consortium will be expanded. The focus will continue to be on analyses useful to agency and legislative policy and decision makers. Issues identified by the recent survey of criminal justice professionals has set the research agenda for the next year. Research Expansion The resource center will continue to coordinate efforts between the consortium and state and local law enforcement agencies. The task force desires to make research resources available to a broader range of state and local agencies. The Criminal Justice Student Intern Program will be expanded to support these efforts and to afford additional students the opportunity to validate their classroom experience. Additional institutions will have the opportunity of placing students in the program and existing institutions will be encouraged to increase their involvement in the program. 14 Grants Maximization The key to expanding information integration and research efforts is funding. To this end, the resource center will pursue additional funding from traditional and nontraditional sources. The initiation of the Safety and Security Grants Clearinghouse has given individual agencies the capability to seek and secure alternative funding. The plan of the task force is to formalize the grant seeking process and expand the service beyond the agencies of the Safety and Security Cabinet to assist any criminal justice agency in Oklahoma. As the agencies explore the grants market, they find themselves in direct competition with other Oklahoma criminal justice agencies. To maximize the probability of success, agencies should explore coordination and cooperation in specific areas of mutual interest. To this end, the resource center is tasked to identify areas in which agencies may initiate cooperative proposals, coordinate grant initiatives, and monitor grant efforts. To accomplish this, a system to monitor and assist agencies in the pursuit of grants must be put in place. The resource center is tasked to recommend a system to accomplish this and to develop policies and procedures to maximize federal and other nontraditional funding. 15
Object Description
Okla State Agency |
Corrections, Oklahoma State Department of |
Okla Agency Code | '131' |
Title | Oklahoma Criminal Justice System Task Force : report to the... Oklahoma Legislature |
Alternative title | Report to the... Oklahoma Legislature |
Authors | Oklahoma Criminal Justice System Task Force. |
Publisher | Oklahoma Department of Corrections |
Publication Date | 1992; 1993 |
Publication type |
Task Force Report Planning Document Report to Governor or Legislature |
Serial holdings | Electronic holdings: 1992/93 |
Subject |
Prisons--Overcrowding--Oklahoma. Prisons--Overcrowding--Law and legislation--Oklahoma. |
Purpose | The task force was created per House Concurrent Resolution No. 1044 of the 1st session of the 41st Oklahoma Legislature and re-created and reorganized per House Concurrent Resolution No. 1090.; The task force was formed to study the criminal justice system in Oklahoma. The task force seeks to identify areas within the criminal justice system which are in need of major improvement and to develop and implement strategies to address those areas of need in order to improve the criminal justice system. |
OkDocs Class# | C5700.3 C929j |
Digital Format | PDF, Adobe Reader required |
ODL electronic copy | Deposited by agency in print; scanned by Oklahoma Department of Libraries 11/2011 |
Rights and Permissions | This Oklahoma state government publication is provided for educational purposes under U.S. copyright law. Other usage requires permission of copyright holders. |
Language | English |
Date created | 2011-11-07 |
Date modified | 2012-09-27 |
OCLC number | 759939367 |
Description
Title | Criminal Justice System Task Force 1993 pt1 |
OkDocs Class# | C5700.3 C929j 1992/93 |
Digital Format | PDF, Adobe Reader required |
ODL electronic copy | Deposited by agency in print; scanned by Oklahoma Department of Libraries 11/2011 |
Rights and Permissions | This Oklahoma state government publication is provided for educational purposes under U.S. copyright law. Other usage requires permission of copyright holders. |
Language | English |
Full text | C 5700.3 C979j 1992/93 c.5 Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center Report to the 44th Oklahoma Legislature May 1993 Table of contents Letter of Transmittal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. i Oklahoma Criminal Justice System Task Force Membership. . • . . ii Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . iii Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center . . . . . . . . . .. 1 Oklahoma Criminal Justice Research Consortium • . . . . . . .• 3 Grants Clearinghouse. . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . 6 Law Enforcement Information Network with Corrections. • . . .• 8 Criminal Justice Student Intern Program . . . • . . . . . . . . 10 2nd Annual Governor's Conference on Community Response to Crime . . • • . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Serious Habitual Juvenile Offender Program Implementation Task Force. • . . • . . . . . . • . . 12 Safety and Security Cabinet Study . . . . . • • . . • . . . . • 13 1993 Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Attachments Listing . . . . . . . . . • • . . . . . . . . • . . 20 ]l{nus£ nf 11tepr£s£ntatiu£s STATE OF OKLAHOMA l\fEMORANDUM TO: Speaker Glen D. Johnson President Pro Tempore Robert V. Cullison FROM: Representative Larry Rice Senator Ben Brown DATE: May 20,1993 RE: Oklahoma Criminal Justice System Task Force Annual Report Dear Speaker Johnson and President Pro Tempore Cullison: On behalf of the members of the Oklahoma Criminal Justice System Task Force Committee, we hereby submit to you our annual report. This report summarizes projects of the task force in its 5th year of work. The task force was created per House Concurrent Resolution No. 1044 of the 1st session of the 41st Oklahoma Legislature and re-created and reorganized per House Concurrent Resolution No. 1090. The task force was formed to study the criminal justice system in Oklahoma. The task force seeks to identify areas within the criminal justice system which are in need of major improvement and to develop and implement strategies to address those areas of need in order to improve the criminal justice system. In July of 1990, the task force became the policy and advisory board for the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center, the state criminal justice Statistical Analysis Center. The resource center has been able to implement a number of task force agendas during the first 3 years of our new cooperative relationship. The task force continues its efforts to study criminal justice issues and to take concrete action on improving public protection by seeking a more efficient and effective criminal justice system. Senator Ben Brown Vice Chairman Oklahoma Criminal Justice System Task Force Membership Legislative Members House of Representatives Senate Larry Rice Dwayne Steidley Ben Brown Herb Rozell Gerald IIGedll Wright Nonlegislative Members (per House Resolution 1090) Larry A. Fields Sandy Howard Tom Kemper J. H. Kennedy, Jr. David R. McBride Robert Sanders Bruce Walker Director, Department of Corrections Assistant Attorney General Director, Commission on Children and Youth Secretary of State Commissioner, Department of Public Safety Executive Director, Pardon and Parole Board Executive Coordinator, District Attorneys Council Nonlegislative Members (Appointed by House and Senate) * Rosie Brown Louis Bullock Sam Gonzales Bob Macy John Maley Richard Miller Jerry Pogue League of Women Voters Attorney at Law Chief of Police, Oklahoma City Oklahoma County District Attorney District Judge, Okmulgee County District Judge, Marshall County Tulsa Tribune *The task force accepted, with great regret, the resignation of Rosie Brown in December 1992. Mrs. Brown made significant contributions to the task force and will be missed. Special Members Bob Gillian Stanley Glanz Bob Hicks Cal Hobson Bruce Storm President, Chiefs of Police Association Tulsa County Sheriff Director, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Oklahoma State senator Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association Oklahoma criminal Justice Resource Center Staff (Support Members) Cliff Sandel Les Crabtree Fran Ferrari Bill Huntington Donna Speer Acting Director Administrator Research Coordinator Grants Coordinator LINC Coordinator ii Executive Summary The Oklahoma Criminal Justice System Task Force was created in June 1988 by the Oklahoma legislature to make recommendations concerning needed legislation, the potential impact of existing and proposed legislation, and the impact of agency policies which affect the criminal justice system. The task force serves as the governing body of the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center. Oklahoma's Statistical Analysis Center (SAC), which was established on August 1, 1989, was named the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center effective July 1, 1990. Partially funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, the resource center serves all levels of government, as well as the public, by collecting and analyzing state criminal justice data to assist policy makers. During calendar year 1992 the Oklahoma Criminal Justice System Task Force and the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center supported a number of criminal justice programs and projects to enhance the collection and dissemination of criminal justice information in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Criminal Justice Research Consortium was established to facilitate assessment and evaluation of state and federally funded justice programs. Members of Oklahoma's academic community interested in the research of criminal justice issues joined criminal justice professionals committed to the collection, analysis, and dissemination of criminal justice information. The research consortium advised the Oklahoma Department of Corrections in the award of research grants and assisted corrections in grant management. These grants address issues critical to Oklahoma criminal justice policy makers. Findings and reports will be available to policy makers by mid-1993. A Grants Clearinghouse was established in the fall of 1992. The purposes of the clearinghouse are to develop grant, gift, and nontraditional funding sources; develop grantsmanship capabilities within agencies; secure grants, gifts and nontraditional funds; and coordinate grant efforts between agencies. Initial accomplishments include the formation of grants teams in several agencies, training in grantsmanship methods and procedures, and establishment of a grants reference library in the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center. iii The Law Enforcement Information Network with Corrections (LINe) project was expanded, now serving more than 350 state and local law enforcement agencies. The capabilities of the program have been enhanced to provide additional offender information to user agencies. A Criminal Justice Student Intern Program was initiated to provide students the opportunity to apply theories and principles learned in the classroom to the research and evaluation of criminal justice issues. Students are exposed to a broad range of statistics, research, and data sources available from criminal justice and public administration agencies and practitioners. This innovative effort benefits the participating institutions, the criminal justice community, and the student interns. -_.- The 2nd Annual Governor's Conference on CcmImunityResponse to Crime welcomed more than 350 criminal justice professionals, local and state officials, educators, civic leaders, and private citizens. The conference provided participants a forum to share views on criminal :justice issues. Participants were asked to identify critical issues and propose possible solutions. These ideas were recorded and analyzed to be presented during a follow-up session early in 1993. The issues were to be ranked and used to formulate recommendations for the criminal justice legislative agenda for 1993 and 1994. The Serious Habitual Juvenile Offender Program Implementation Task Force continued to develop strategic and tactical plans to curtail the growing incidence of juvenile crime in Oklahoma. A primary focus has been finding a procedure by which law enforcement agencies can access information to identify serious and habitual juvenile offenders. Muchprogress has been made by the task force. A Safety and Security Cabinet Study was initiated to study agency policies, procedures, and programs with the purpose of improving the criminal justice system in Oklahoma. Reports of findings were presented to Safety and Security Cabinet Secretary David R. McBride late in 1992. The recommendations are under review and will be presented to appropriate decision makers in 1993. The Criminal Justice System Task Force 1993 Strategy is to improve criminal justice systems by fostering cooperative efforts and communications between criminal justice agencies. The task force will continue to enhance the availability, quality, and accessibility of criminal justice data. To accomplish this strategy, the task force and the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center will focus their efforts in three primary areas. Information integration will enhance the potential utility for criminal justice agencies. The strategy will be to promote information sharing, exchange of expertise, and systems integration. Research expansion includes expansion of the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Research Consortium and the Student Intern Program. The primary strategy to expand the consortium will be to facilitate coordination between the consortium and state and local law enforcement agencies. Expansion of the intern program will be accomplished by coordinating additional internship opportunities iv with existing and additional higher education institutions which are not currently involved. Grants maximization strategy will include the formalization of the grant seeking process and exploration of mutual interest areas where grant efforts may be coordinated and jointly pursued. A system to monitor grant efforts and assist law enforcement agencies in the pursuit of grants and gifts will be formalized. v Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center The Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center was established on August 1, 1989, as the Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) for Oklahoma. Following passage of House Bill 1952, the Oklahoma Criminal Justice System Task Force became the policy and advisory board for the resource center effective July 1, 1990. The resource center is partially funded by the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice statistics (BJS). BJS requires each SAC to be a nonpartisan professional organization which serves all branches of the criminal justice system and all levels of government in the state as well as the public, and to collect and analyze state criminal justice data to assist policy makers. This is the basis of the resource center's mission statement: The mission of the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center is to improve criminal justice information systems, data sharing, and data use. The purpose is to increase the availability of criminal justice data; to increase the accessibility to that data by a variety of federal, state, and local criminal justice decision makers; to improve the quality of information available; and to increase the ease with which the data are obtained. Oklahoma Statutes Title 57, Section 508.2 mandates that the resource center perform certain activities. 1. Provide a clearinghouse for criminal justice information. 2. Provide a central contact point for federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies. 3. Provide technical assistance for all criminal justice agencies of the state. 4. Provide consultation for criminal justice agencies in the state in preparing reports, gaining funding, or preparing information. 5. Require criminal justice agencies to contribute information for state analysis of criminal justice issues. 6. Collect and analyze criminal justice data. 7. Produce reports for state and local criminal justice agencies. 8. Facilitate information networking. 9. Attend state meetings concerning criminal justice. 10. Represent the state at national meetings or conferences of criminal justice statistics associations of other states. Following the guidance of the Criminal Justice System Task Force, the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center has been pro-active in the development and implementation of criminal justice information systems. The approach has been to assess criminal justice needs, research available information, facili tate information sharing, collect and summarize data, and encourage and assist with the development of information networks among criminal justice agencies. During 1992 the resource center was involved in a number of major • projects to improve collection and dissemination of criminal justice information. Some projects have been completed; some have been transferred to criminal justice agencies capable of sustaining and enhancing the programs; and still others are ongoing. The projects and programs supported by the task force and the resource center during calendar year 1992 are highlighted in this report. In accordance with the charge to the Criminal Justice System Task Force and the resource center mission, future activities will be oriented toward continuing to expand research and analysis capabilities, providing technical expertise in the gathering and dissemination of information, and offering technical assistance to law enforcement agencies. Programs being continued, as well as new programs and directions, are also described in this report. Russ Buchner, director of the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center since 1990, resigned in November 1992. Mr. Buchner was a dynamic member of the Oklahoma criminal justice community. He earned national recognition for his work in the Oklahoma criminal justice system and through his publications and work in various Bureau of Justice Statistics projects and programs. The Criminal Justice System Task Force commends Mr. Russ Buchner for his outstanding contributions to criminal justice in Oklahoma. 2 Oklahoma Criminal Justice Research Consortium The Oklahoma Criminal Justice Research Consortium was established in 1992 to facilitate assessment and evaluation of state and federally funded justice programs. Consortium members include college and university researchers and representatives of criminal justice agencies committed to collection, analysis, and dissemination of criminal justice information. (Current membership list is presented as Attachment A). Prior to the formation of the consortium, criminal justice data were fragmented among agencies with no common format, collection method, or dissemination vehicle. Late in 1991 the Department of Corrections received state funding for program evaluation related to corrections and prison overcrowding. Funding agencies were informed in advance that neither the resource center nor the Department of Corrections would have the resources to adequately complete the program assessments and that contractual agreements with universities would be required. To proceed, a formal relationship between the research community, criminal justice practitioners, and policy makers would be necessary. In May 1992 faculty of major research universities and colleges in Oklahoma were contacted about the concept of initiating a research consortium. The concept was warmly received and supported. In June an invitation announcing a meeting to lay the foundations for initiating a research consortium was distributed. Invitations were sent throughout the higher education community, with specific targeting of criminal justice researchers with varied academic disciplines. In July, 62 representatives from public and private colleges and universities throughout Oklahoma attended the first meeting. An executive committee was formed, which appointed sub-committees to study and develop mechanisms and guidelines to formalize the consortium. Following exceptional work by the sub-committees, the group met again in October to formalize the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Research Consortium. Several notable accomplishments have been realized in a few short months. Established membership and recruitment requirements which encourage membership from the academic community, state agencies, and policy and decision makers. 3 Drafted by-laws structured to ensure that research will meet generally accepted criteria and produce information necessary to user agencies and policy makers. Established a process for submission and review of proposals which ensures the quality of research and which meets the criteria of user agencies. Developed a list of research areas deemed appropriate for initial research, resul ting in the initial Request For Proposals (RFP). (Research areas are presented as Attachment B). Established a central clearinghouse for monitoring proposals and facilitating pre-review of proposals by the research community, prior to submitting to the funding agency for final approval. Developed and distributed a survey to the criminal justice community to establish priorities for issues to research in the future. (Research agenda survey questions are presented as Attachment C). Analysis of the survey has been completed and will be used to set the research agenda of the consortium in 1993. Late in the fall of 1992 the consortium issued RFP's for research into a series of critical issues identified as described above. Proposals were received and reviewed by December 1 and research contracts were issued in February 1993. (Research projects approved for funding are presented as Attachment D). The results, with recommendations, will be available to criminal justice decision makers in the summer of 1993, for consideration during the FY 94 and FY 95 planning process. During this same period, the resource center began a survey of state and local criminal justice agencies throughout Oklahoma. Professionals in corrections, law enforcement, juvenile justice, prosecution, judiciary, academic, and elected officials were asked specific questions about a wide range of criminal justice issues. Those surveyed were asked to identi:fy issues critical to their area of criminal justice and prioritize issues. (Law enforcement survey results are presented as Attachment E). The results of the survey were analyzed and ranked by level of interest, forming the basis for the research consortium agenda for the upcoming year. This agenda will be addressed by the research consortium. RFP's to investigate these issues will be issued in the summer of 1993. Funding for the initial research projects was appropriated to the Department of Corrections by the legislature during FY 92 for use in FY 93. Continuation of this funding is the critical factor in determining the scope of the research to be undertaken in FY 94. Funding availability will determine the number of issues which may be examined and the depth of the research. To further support the research consortium's efforts, the resource center has proposed restructuring of the annual SAC operating grant from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Under the restructuring formula, 97 percent of the $50,000 expected grant funds, or 4 $48,500, will be used to fund criminal justice research through the research consortium. The resource center provides administrative services required to support the research consortium. Resource center staff serve on various committees, including the executive and proposal review committees. Negotiation of research contracts is coordinated through the research consortium and the Department of Corrections, with the assistance of the resource center. As a part of each contract, the principle investigator agreed to provide results of the research and a complete data set to the resource center. Copies of research findings, data reports, and recommendations will be maintained in the resource center, forming a research library available for dissemination to all criminal justice agencies in Oklahoma and across the nation. OTJiikhunnlesnatDochievooccanmeetcamiRebvepeeCstrreiaaom1prfi9pcn9rhaa2ol.raaecnJshdue(sSaAtttrrioactcthieicdslceRteoceiniscsisesosiarorAptncsrihseumosmCaceokintniatosnteogiadr.ostnsaiisupsmuAtAbtwlstdaitaescacsathcptemruieiboanplngtti,eisnoFhTcn)ehi.deesoFifonirsuttmhha,een 5 Grants Clearinghouse In the spring of 1992 David R. McBride, cabinet secretary of Safety and Security, identified a need to pursue nontraditional sources of funding for criminal justice in Oklahoma. He asked the Criminal Justice Resource Center to coordinate an effort to establish a clearinghouse to assist the agencies of the Safety and Security Cabinet in pursuing these funds. In July 1992 a letter was sent to all Safety and Security agency heads announcing the reasons for and the intent of the clearinghouse. In September 1992 the resource center invited representatives of all Safety and Security Cabinet agencies to a meeting to discuss the project. Twenty-eight representatives of Safety and Security agencies responded to the invitation. During the initial meeting the purpose and goals and objectives were identified. Purpose - To assist Safety and Security Cabinet agencies: Develop nontraditional sources of funding. Develop grantsmanship capabilities within each agency. Secure grants, gifts, and nontraditional funding. Coordinate efforts between agencies to maximize federal, state, and nontraditional funding sources. Goals and Objectives Establish a grants resource center, to include: A reference library Grant proposal and review assistance Research and other technical assistance. Establish grant teams within each agency. Provide initial and sustainment grantsmanship training. Establish grant guidelines and standards. Current membership includes 33 individuals, representing 13 Safety and Security agencies, the Department of Health, and one local law enforcement agency. (Current membership roster is presented as Attachment G). The group set as ,its first priority the acquisition of the expertise necessary to write grant proposals. The services of a 6 noted grantsmanship writer and trainer, Dr. Deke Johnson, Oklahoma State University, were secured. A two-day grantsmanship training seminar, funded by the Department of Corrections, was presented to 27 individuals representing 11 agencies in October 1992. Following this seminar, seven agencies formed grant writing teams which consisted of two to six members each. The second critical priority was the establishment of a reference . library with descriptions of the grant sources available, including lists of grant resources, application and program requirements and procedures, and publications available for technical assistance. - Supported by funding from the Department of Corrections, the resource center began building the library in October 1992. Grant periodicals, grant program references, and lists of regional and national grant sources are now available. Information concerning library contents which highlight new acquisitions, is distributed quarterly to all members. Sustainment training has been accomplished by referring grantsmanship seminar announcements to members. In addition, each regular meeting includes presentations of short programs on topics which could be useful to members desiring to pursue grants. These programs have included such diverse topics as a discussion of the research consortium formation, capabilities, and directions. Writing and submitting grant proposals has remained with individual agencies. Experiments in coordination between agencies has been initiated in limited projects. Review of and technical assistance with grant proposals, prior to submission, has likewise been very limited. To accomplish the fourth goal, establishing grant guidelines and standards, the staff at the resource center have been researching other state's procedures, looking for models and procedures already in place which may be adapted for Oklahoma. In 1993 the primary focus of the clearinghouse will be to formalize procedures to further the aims established for the clearinghouse. 7 Law Enforcement Information Network with corrections The Law Enforcement Information Network with Corrections (LINC) is a criminal justice information system which includes information on all persons convicted of felonies in Oklahoma since 1979. Included in the system are persons receiving deferred or suspended probation sentences and those sentenced to incarceration, paroled, or otherwise released early from incarceration. Over 100,000 records are contained in the system. LINe is more than a name search system which provides felony conviction information. Law enforcement officials are able to conduct crime analysis using LINC data as well as generate crime suspect lists by zip code, county, or state wide. Habitual offenders can be identified by crime type. Offenders may be sorted by a number of variables including court number, number of felony convictions, or by appearance factor (eye color, height, etc.) Initially, the resource center provided information about the LINC project to every law enforcement agency in Oklahoma. The resource center secured a federal grant to provide 75 percent of the funding to facilitate the purchase of hardware and software necessary to join the system. Agencies could join the LINC system for an approximate $1,000 investment, matched with $3,000 in federal funding from the u.s. Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). During the first two years of the project, the resource center provided a "LINC Hot Line," assisting user agencies in the maintenance of the system and answering user's questions. The LINC system has grown to more than 350 user agencies. LINC is available in virtually every county and all major cities in Oklahoma. Local law enforcement offices, sheriffs, district attorneys, and several state and federal agencies are now "LINC'ed" with the Department of Corrections data resources. During 1992 an evaluation of the system was initiated. User agencies were asked what they needed from LINC: which capabilities currently available were most and least useful; what additional information would enhance utility; and to prioritize requested enhancements. The responses were evaluated and will be used to determine the future directions and additions to the system. Several requested enhancements are already in process. Among these are direct modem access with the Department of Corrections mainframe computer, additional data fields and information sorting capabilities, and new graphics capabilities, allowing the transmission of "mug shots" to user agencies. LINC has become an established program serving criminal justice agencies throughout Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections has provided the data and systems support from the 8 beginning. In keeping with the resource center's mission, assumption of responsibility for the LINC program systems by the Department of Corrections has been planned. The transition will be completed in April 1993. Corrections will provide support and maintenance directly to agency users, ending the resource center's involvement in the LINC project. Donna Speer, LINC coordinator, will move to the Department of Corrections with the LINC program. Ms. Speer has been a dynamic force in the LINC program implementation. Much of the success of the LINC program is due to her dedication and professionalism. She-is known throughout the Oklahoma law enforcement community as the "LINC Lady," providing technical assistance and advice to hundreds of users. The Criminal Justice System Task Force joins the resource center in commending Donna Speer for her diligence, dedication, and outstanding contributions to criminal justice. 9 Criminal Justice Student Intern Program In the fall of 1992 the resource center initiated a Criminal Justice Student Intern Program in a cooperative effort with colleges and universities in Oklahoma. Colleges and universities participating, to date, include the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City University, and the University of Central Oklahoma. Interns have been accepted from a myriad of disciplines, including political science, law enforcement, public administration, sociology, social work, and psychology. The student intern program provides first-hand experience to undergraduate and graduate students interested in researching and analyzing criminal justice issues. Students are exposed to a broad range of statistics, research, and data sources available from criminal justice and public administration agencies and practi tioners. Administered by the resource center research coordinator, Fran M. Ferrari, students have the opportunity to gather data, analyze that data, and assist with the preparation and dissemination of reports. In addition to hands-on experience, students are encouraged to attend resource center sponsored seminars. Presenters are professionals from a wide variety of criminal justice disciplines. Notable speakers include representatives from federal agencies, (Secret Service and Justice Research and Statistics Association) and state agencies (Alcohol Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission and the Department of Corrections). This innovative program has been well received by all parties. The interns have gained experience in research and analytical methodologies and report generation. Participating institutions have a vehicle to validate learning in the classroom through "hands on" experience. State agencies have benefitted from the research contributions of the students in the decision making process. This project clearly demonstrates the benefits of teaming higher education institutions with law enforcement in areas of mutual interest. Future plans include expansion of the program to additional colleges and universi ties. Interns will be exposed to current criminal justice issues and will be assigned to participate in various research projects sponsored by the research consortium. Representatives of additional state, local, and federal criminal justice agencies and legislative leaders will be invited to address the group. 10 2nd Annual Governor's Conference on Community Response to Crime The 2nd Annual Governor's Conference on Community Response to Crime was held in October 1992 in Tulsa. (Conference program is presented as Attachment H). More than 350 criminal justice professionals, local and state officials, educators, civic leaders, and private citizens attended the two-day event. Planning and coordination of the conference involved a cooperative effort between several state agencies and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. State agencies involved included the Department of Public Safety, Department of Corrections, office of Attorney General, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, District Attorneys Council, and the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center. Funding was provided by a Bureau of Justice Assistance grant through the Drug and Violent Crime Policy Board, private donations, and registration fees. Following Governor Walters' keynote address, the group participated in discussions and workshops covering a wide range of justice issues vital to communities. Nationally renowned speakers addressed such issues as the economic impact of crime on the community, creative approaches to prosecution, volunteerism, crime as a health issue, and understanding and dealing with differences between law-abiding citizens and criminals. Workshops included discussions of community issues, including community corrections programs, community and citizen policing, and information technology's usefulness in combatting violent crime. During the conference, attendees participated in a brainstorming session to identify criminal justice issues critical to Oklahoma's communities. Participants were asked to identify critical issues and propose possible solutions. These ideas were recorded and analyzed. During a follow-up session to be held in January 1993, the list will be prioritized. The prioritized issues and solutions will be used to formulate recommendations for the criminal justice legislative agenda for 1993 and 1994. The 3rd annual Governor's Conference is already being planned. Scheduled for mid-October 1993 in Oklahoma City, the conference will include follow-up of issues identified as critical during the previous conference and input from participants to improve and enhance the criminal justice system in Oklahoma. 11 Serious Habitual Juvenile Offender Program Implementation Task Force The Serious Habitual Juvenile Offender Program Implementation Task Force was formed in 1990 and charged to study the criminal justice system in Oklahoma as it relates to juvenile offenders. The task force membership includes representatives from state and local criminal justice agencies, Oklahoma Department of Human Services and other social and welfare agencies, Attorney General's office, legislative leaders, and private citizens. The task force is charged with developing both strategic and tactical plans to address the growing incidence of juvenile crime in Oklahoma and manage the growing population of serious and habitual juvenile offenders. Issues of concern include increased gang activity, higher incidence of violent crimes committed by youth, and the spread of drug related crimes among Oklahoma's youth. One of the primary critical needs is the ability for law enforcement agencies to identify serious and habitual juvenile offenders. To accomplish this, the task force has been working to make Department of Human Services (DHS) information available to criminal justice agencies while maintaining confidentiality of juvenile data. DHS and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) have been coordinating the transfer of information to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Tracking System (OLETS). Excellent progress has been made and testing is scheduled to begin in 1993. Other task force subcommittees are investigating issues in preparation for developing and forwarding recommendations to policy and decision makers concerning prevention and investigation of juvenile crime and the appropriate protocol to be followed once a youth enters the juvenile justice system. Preliminary research and analysis are nearing completion. Initial recommendations addressing strategic issues are expected during 1993. 12 Safety and Security Cabinet Study David R. McBride, cabinet secretary of Safety and Security, initiated a study of the Safety and Security Cabinet agencies. The study was to review separate agency policies, procedures, and programs; discuss possibilities for improving criminal justice systems in Oklahoma; and make recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of Oklahoma's criminal justice system. Areas reviewed included agency missions, goals and objectives, administration, fiscal procedures, agency operating programs, communications systems, and inter-agency programs and projects. Subcommittees were formed to investigate, in depth, a myriad of issues relating to these broad areas. Programs, procedures, and methods utilized by the various agencies, and similar agencies in other states, were reviewed. Reports were presented to Secretary McBride in late 1992. Proposals are under review and will be presented to appropriate decision makers in 1993. The staff of the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center express their appreciation to Secretary McBride for the opportunity to participate in this endeavor. 13 The 1993 strategy of the Criminal Justice System Task Force is to improve criminal justice systems by fostering cooperative efforts and communications between criminal justice agencies. In addition, the task force will work to enhance the availability, quality, and accessibility of criminal justice data. To accomplish this strategy, the task force and the resource center will focus their efforts in three primary areas: information integration, research expansion, and grants maximization. 1993 Strategy Information Integration Integration of criminal justice information systems will enhance the potential utility for criminal justice agencies. Federal and state agencies are developing excellent information systems. Examples of the programs in development or in use, are the Law Enforcement Information Network with Corrections (LINC), Juvenile On-Line Tracking System (JOLTS), the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), and the Offender Based Transaction Statistics (OBTS) system. Each of these programs has a specific purpose in assisting criminal justice agencies. To this end, the resource center will work with agencies to promote information sharing, expertise, and systems integration. In so doing, the availability of data for future research and evaluation will be enhanced. The Oklahoma Criminal Justice Research Consortium will be expanded. The focus will continue to be on analyses useful to agency and legislative policy and decision makers. Issues identified by the recent survey of criminal justice professionals has set the research agenda for the next year. Research Expansion The resource center will continue to coordinate efforts between the consortium and state and local law enforcement agencies. The task force desires to make research resources available to a broader range of state and local agencies. The Criminal Justice Student Intern Program will be expanded to support these efforts and to afford additional students the opportunity to validate their classroom experience. Additional institutions will have the opportunity of placing students in the program and existing institutions will be encouraged to increase their involvement in the program. 14 Grants Maximization The key to expanding information integration and research efforts is funding. To this end, the resource center will pursue additional funding from traditional and nontraditional sources. The initiation of the Safety and Security Grants Clearinghouse has given individual agencies the capability to seek and secure alternative funding. The plan of the task force is to formalize the grant seeking process and expand the service beyond the agencies of the Safety and Security Cabinet to assist any criminal justice agency in Oklahoma. As the agencies explore the grants market, they find themselves in direct competition with other Oklahoma criminal justice agencies. To maximize the probability of success, agencies should explore coordination and cooperation in specific areas of mutual interest. To this end, the resource center is tasked to identify areas in which agencies may initiate cooperative proposals, coordinate grant initiatives, and monitor grant efforts. To accomplish this, a system to monitor and assist agencies in the pursuit of grants must be put in place. The resource center is tasked to recommend a system to accomplish this and to develop policies and procedures to maximize federal and other nontraditional funding. 15 |
Date created | 2011-11-07 |
Date modified | 2012-02-03 |
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