SAC Publication Digest - May 2005 - Justice Research and Statistics ...

OKLAHOMA
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE LEGISLATURE ABOUT FELONY SENTENCING
Oklahoma Sentencing Commission
February 2004, 6 pp.
This report summarizes findings and recommendations of the Oklahoma Sentencing
Commission to the Legislature regarding felony sentencing. The report includes findings and
recommendations in six areas: strategies to broaden the use of probation sentences, drug
sentence modifications, other sentencing modifications, ensuring post-release supervision of sex
offenders, modifying the Governor’s parole authority, and increasing the utilization of jail
sentences for felons.
PENNSYLVANIA
AN EVALUATION OF VIDEO PRELIMINARY ARRAIGNMENT SYSTEMS IN PENNSYLVANIA
Karen Shastri and Holly Wald
Fall 2004, 80 pp.
The purpose of this study was to examine the use of videoconferencing technology for
preliminary arraignments and to provide recommendations for expanding its use across
Pennsylvania. The study focuses on the extent to which video arraignments are being
conducted, factors that influence use, cost, strengths/weaknesses, and support for expanding
technology use. A mail survey was sent to police and district attorney’s office representatives to
determine how widely videoconferencing was being used. Site visits were made to jurisdictions
that use video arraignments, and a cost survey was used to determine the strengths and
weaknesses of the technology. It was found that the majority of counties using
videoconferencing have been using it for two years or less. The majority do not use it on a full
time basis; many use it on nights and weekends only. Costs were reported to be lower for using
videoconferencing than for face-to-face arraignments, and videoconferencing decreased the
security risk for police and other detainees.
CRIME STATISTICS
ALABAMA
2003 CRIME IN ALABAMA
Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center
March 2004, 131 pp.
The 2003 Crime in Alabama report is the 28th annual report published by the Alabama Criminal
Justice Information Center (ACJIC). The report concentrates on the major index offenses
reported to the Uniform Crime Reporting program (UCR) by the state's law enforcement
agencies for calendar year 2003. The crime statistics presented in this report are compiled for the
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