The Legislature finds and determines that crime and delinquency are essentially State and local problems; that crime and delinquency are complex social phenomena requiring the attention and efforts of the criminal justice system, State, county and local governments and the citizens of this State; and that the establishment of appropriate goals, objectives and standards for the reduction of crime and delinquency and for the administration of justice must be a priority concern.

The Legislature further finds and determines that, to meet the challenges enumerated above, the functions of the criminal justice system must be coordinated more efficiently and effectively; that the full and effective use of resources affecting State, county and local criminal justice systems requires the complete cooperation of government agencies on all levels; and that training, research, evaluation, technical assistance and public education activities must be encouraged and focused on the improvement of the criminal justice system and the generation of new methods for the prevention of crime and delinquency.

L.1978, c. 176, s. 1, eff. Dec. 28, 1978.