In North Carolina we are fortunate to have an outstanding quality of life, and in recent years significant improvements have been made in our criminal justice system that have enhanced public safety. After a period of dramatic increases in reported crime especially violent crime, the trend seems to be leveling off. A new sentencing structure has been implemented to restore some "truth in sentencing" and the "cap" on the prison population has been removed to eliminate the need for emergency release of violent and chronic offenders. Also, substantial prison construction and expansion in the past few years have allowed for the incarceration of many more of these offenders.
This does not mean however, that there is no room for further improvement. Too many children continue to face violence in their schools and on their streets on an almost daily basis. Crime and fear continue to be familiar neighbors for many citizens. A united effort from the criminal justice system and our communities can turn this around, and the priorities and recommendations set forth by the Governor's Crime Commission can provide the impetus needed to put this effort in motion.
The Commission's recommendations recognize that crime fighting requires both punishment and prevention. They represent a concerted effort to look "up stream" and see what can be done to prevent the next big "crime wave" as the juvenile population continues to grow into the next century. They call for improvements and innovations in the juvenile justice system, and other human service agencies that affect youth, as well as modifications in the juvenile code to make it more responsive to the juvenile problems of today.
The Commission recognizes that the judicial component of the criminal justice system has been the "neglected" component in the past and is in dire need of reform, restructuring, and basic technology upgrades to bring it into the 21st century. The court system is the "hub of the wheel" in the criminal justice and juvenile justice process; when it is broken or rusty the wheels of justice will not turn very well at all. When the justice process bogs down the public's perception of, faith in, and respect for our most fundamental institutions of self government erodes.
This erosion of confidence in our system of justice will only be exacerbated if the newly passed Victims Bill of Rights is not effectively and efficiently implemented. This will add even more stress to the already overburdened judicial system and may raise expectations among the citizenry that cannot be met. By utilizing current technology and enhancing our information infrastructure, victims "rights" can be respected and supported without bringing the wheels of justice to a complete halt or forcing a substantial human service expenditure with significant, long term recurring costs.
This Agenda also calls for other improvements and innovations that will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire criminal justice system, particularly in the exchange and sharing of information and interagency communication and cooperation. The criminal justice system knows that much of what we have works well, but we are not in a position to accept the status quo. Society is changing, technology is changing, and we must change, because we must continue to serve North Carolina.