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5 Am. Crim. L. Q. 159 (1966-1967)
The Effects of Miranda on the Work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

handle is hein.journals/amcrimlr5 and id is 161 raw text is: THE EFFECTS OF MIRANDA ON THE WORK OF THE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION*
By
H. LYNN EDWARDS**
Some years ago, I had a discussion with some other FBI officials.
Our topic was the persistent rise in the national cime rate. It has con-
tinued its upward path for years without abatement.' I asked the rhetorical
question as to when might we expect the trend to reverse. Although I
expected no answer, one of the men sounded the optimistic note that
when the crime situation got rotten enough, the American public
would finally bestir itself and demand something be done-then, and
not until then, would we see the crime chart turn downwards.
I often reflect on that conversation. The continuing upward spiral
tells me things haven't gotten rotten enough. Yet, there are increasing
signs pointing in the direction of awakening public interest.
Take, for example, the President's National Crime Commission
appointed in 1965, which made its report and far-reaching recommenda-
tions a few weeks ago,2 resulting in the President's War Message on
Crime February 6, 1967.
Again, consider the American Bar Association's current and far-
reaching survey to formulate minimum standards for strengthening and
improving the administration of criminal justice.3 A more comprehen-
sive project has never been previously undertaken.
There are many more straws in the wind. For example, studies:to
reform and strengthen bail policies and procedures, pre-arraignment pro-
cedure, probation and parole. There have been movements looking
toward wide-sweeping penal reform, overhauling out-moded and barnacle-
encrusted criminal laws, reform of rules of criminal procedure. Legisla-
tion, private and public funds, and extensive manpower have focused on
building a strong legal aid and public defender network.
* An address to the Tenth Annual Attorney General's Conference for District At-
torneys of Louisiana, New Orleans, March 10, 1967.
** Inspector, Federal Bureau of Investigation.
1. According to Uniform Crime Reports, issued by the FBI, crime for 1965 was up
46% over 1960, outstripping population growth almost sixfold. For the first 9 months
of 1966 the Crime Index rose 10% over the like period of 1965.
2. Entitled The Challenge of Crime In a Free Society a report by the President's
Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice; U.S. Government Print-
ing Office, Washington, D.C., February, 1967.
3. American Bar Association Special Committee on Minimum Standards for the Ad-
ministration of Criminal Justice, J. Edward Lumbard, Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals,
New York, New York, Chairman.

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