Carol J. DeFrances, Ph.D., Bureau of Justice Statistics

May 19, 2002    NCJ 193441

Presents findings from the 2001 National Survey of Prosecutors, which was a census of all 2,341 prosecutors offices that tried felony cases in State courts of general jurisdiction. The study summarizes the number of professionals and support staff employed and the size of budget. Prosecutors responded as to whether they had prosecuted computer crime, had used DNA evidence, and whether they were employed full or part time. Other survey data include special categories of felony offenses prosecuted, types of nonfelony cases handled, number of felony cases closed, number of felony convictions, number of juvenile cases proceeded against in criminal court, and work-related threats or assaults against staff.

Highlights:

• Over the past decade prosecutors offices nationwide, on average, experienced increases in their staff size, budget for prosecutorial functions, and population served.
• Two-thirds of prosecutors' offices used DNA evidence during plea negotiations or felony trails in 2001 compared to about half of the offices in 1996.
• In 2001 about 23% of prosecutors' offices assigned prosecutors to handle community-related activities.

Part of the Prosecutors in State Courts Series

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