Making criminals pay: New Jersey a leader in collecting fines and restitution

Article Abstract:

New Jersey's new Comprehensive Enforcement Program has drawn nationwide attention for its success in collecting state-ordered restitution, fees, and fines. Since its Jan 1995 launch, it has taken in $2.5 million, a 15% increase, and added six staff members to its initial two. Officials in New Jersey and other states say an aggressive approach to collection, imposing clear penalties for failure to comply, and dedicating staff and resources are all important to making such programs work. Criminals owe New Jersey at least $166 million.

Economic aspects, New Jersey, Criminals, Restitution

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Safer streets at what cost? Critics say the homeless and substance abusers are most likely to suffer when police crack down on petty offenses

Article Abstract:

Rutgers criminologist George L. Kelling theorizes that disorder creeps into an area where petty crimes are ignored, inviting more serious crimes and spreading urban decay. Kelling's broken window theory of policing has been successfully implemented in major US cities, notably in New York City's subway system where crime has dropped 70% since 1992. But opponents argue its effects merely create a revolving prison door and offenders, mostly the homeless and substance abusers, do not receive the proper health care for their problems.

Social aspects, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Police, Police officers, Crime prevention

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Collecting fines ... and criticism; federal judges get out of collections oversight after report blasts effort

Article Abstract:

The Administrative Office of the US Courts closing of its National Fine Center on Nov 15, 1996, after eight years will mean an end to the centralization of federal criminal fine and restitution collection. Some 42 small and medium-sized federal district courts which joined the clearinghouse will receive 20,000 debtor accounts. The individual district courts will revert to their old manual systems.

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